Olive oil in summer: Preservation and essential care

oil in summer preserve under conservation

Did you know that oil preservation in summer is crucial to maintain its optimum quality? At Coto Bajo, we understand the importance of protecting this golden elixir from the adverse effects of summer. Find out how you can ensure that your oil retains all its properties, even in the high summer temperatures.

If you want to know more: Why cook with extra virgin olive oil?

Why is it so critical to properly conserve oil in summer?

During the summer, heat and light can wreak havoc on extra virgin olive oil. These elements accelerate the oxidation process and can alter both the flavor and the healthy properties of the product. That is why at Coto Bajo we recommend following these practices for optimal preservation.

What happens when the oil deteriorates?

Unlike wine, oil does not improve with time. Our grandparents used to say "new oil and old wine", and they were right. With the passage of time, oil loses its qualities. If stored properly, this degradation is very slow, but it is not always achieved.

Extra Virgin olive oil is not a product that spoils like milk. Therefore, consuming an oil after its expiration date is not harmful to health, although it will no longer maintain its original characteristics.

It does not take a particularly trained sense of smell to detect that an olive oil has gone bad: the typical aromas will be mixed with other foreign odors, which can range from a rancid smell to musty or metallic notes. Chemically, the polyphenolsresponsible for the "tingling" sometimes felt in new oils, gradually disappear over time. The preservative "power" of tocopherols weakens and residues may appear, affecting the natural fluidity, an important quality of EVOO.

Tips for preserving your extra virgin olive oil in summer

1. Constant temperature, the key to freshness

Avoid sudden temperature changes. Store the oil in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight and maintain a stable temperature between 14-18 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the oil retains its freshness without solidifying or losing its antioxidant properties.

2. Containers suitable for oil in summer

Opt for dark, opaque containers to protect the oil from light. Tinted glass bottles or cans are ideal for maintaining the quality of the oil without being affected by exposure to light.

If you choose to keep the oil in plastic containers, be sure to use PET containers, the most suitable material for this purpose. PET is more resistant to light than any other plastic container and does not affect the properties of Extra Virgin olive oil as other plastics might.

3. Careful with air and humidity

Close the bottle tightly after each use to prevent oxidation. The oil can absorb external odors, so keeping it tightly closed is crucial to preserve its purity.

4. Avoid refrigeration

Although it may seem tempting, storing oil in the refrigerator can cause it to solidify and lose its organoleptic characteristics. It is better to keep it in a cool, dark pantry.

5. Avoid oil and vinaigrettes

Even the highest quality Extra Virgin olive oil tends to oxidize quickly in these common containers that we all have at home and that do not provide any guarantee of food safety.

Visit our online store and enjoy the best extra virgin olive oil, even in summer!

At Coto Bajo, we are proud to offer Extra Virgin olive oil of the highest quality, produced under strict conservation standards. Don't let the summer heat compromise your gastronomic experience. Visit our store and discover our selection of oils, perfect to enjoy all year round, take care of your oil as it deserves and enjoy its unique flavor in every dish!

Find out: How to buy extra virgin olive oil online, right from home!

With these simple but effective tips, you can ensure that your Extra Virgin olive oil retains its freshness and quality and keep it always ready to enhance your favorite dishes at any time of the year.