Is it possible to store olive oil in the refrigerator - why does sediment form?
Olive oil, despite its relative high cost, is becoming more accessible and popular. But, unlike sunflower, it is more capricious in terms of storage conditions, and therefore can be carelessly spoiled and lose its benefits before the expiration date.
So is it possible to extend its life with the help of a refrigerator? The answer is definitely no. So let's figure it out how to store olive oil and what are the consequences of improper storage.
Olive oil at home
The most common mistake is storing olive oil near the stove or in the cold. Heat, cold, direct sunlight and air quickly spoil this valuable product.
Therefore, the best storage choice would be:
- tightly sealed dark glass containers,
- kitchen cabinet with opaque doors,
- constant room temperature (about 20-24 degrees).
The secret of how to choose
The magazine purity-en.htgetrid.com notes that the iron containers in which the product is found in stores do not reduce the beneficial properties of olive oil. But as a rule, a higher grade of marc is poured into glass bottles.
How long does olive oil last?
Unopened olive oil, according to expiration dates, can be stored for up to 24 months. However, on the store shelf it is better to choose oil that was bottled no earlier than seven to eight months ago.
Once the container is opened, the shelf life rapidly decreases.If you follow all the rules, it will last no longer than 1 month. If you break the rules, the properties will disappear in just a couple of days, and the taste will deteriorate.
As we said before, refrigeration will not extend the life of your oil by a day. On the contrary, at low temperatures (below +12 Celsius) sediment forms in it. Of course, as soon as it is at room temperature, this sediment will disappear, but there is a risk that the taste will be irrevocably spoiled in this way.
Advice
Experienced housewives recommend keeping the main supply of olive oil in a tightly closed bottle, and the “working” portion in a beautiful and small-sized container that is always at hand, but not next to the hob or oven.
If you store olive oil correctly and don’t give in to the desire to “stock up for future use,” you can pamper yourself and your family with healthy and flavorful dishes for a whole month. If bitterness appears, it is better to throw away the product - it has spoiled. It’s enough to find a dark cabinet away from the stove, and you won’t have to throw the valuable waste into the trash.