Why Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil Storage Is Key To It's Survival

As part of our continued dedication to offering the best products made by Italian artisans we searched through the regions of Italy to find the highest quality, award winning Organic Extra Virgin Italian Olive Oils. Producing exceptional olive oil is only one part of what comprises an excellent Extra Virgin Olive Oil, two other parts are important for maintaining the quality of exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil, storage and shipping.

If you’ve invested in a bottle of high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)—the kind with a peppery finish and a vibrant aroma, you aren't just buying a good flavored oil, you are buying a healthy addition to any diet. You know the EVOO is packed with healthy polyphenols and delicate flavors.

But from the moment that oil is pressed, it faces three relentless enemies: Light, Oxygen, and Heat.

To protect your investment and ensure you are actually consuming the premium product you paid for, you must understand the two crucial steps taken by quality-focused producers: Opaque Packaging and Temperature-Controlled Transport.

1. The Silent Enemies: Why EVOO Needs Protection

Clear bottles might look attractive on a sunlit kitchen counter, but they are an open invitation for light to destroy the oil. Likewise, extreme temperatures turn a luxurious item into rancid waste.

Here’s the science of degradation:

Enemy	What It Does to the Oil	Resulting Quality Loss
Light (Photo-oxidation)	Rapidly breaks down Chlorophyll and key Antioxidants (Polyphenols & Vitamin E).	Fading flavor, diminished health benefits, and accelerated rancidity.
Heat (Thermal Oxidation)	Dramatically speeds up the rate of oxidation, especially over 25∘C (77∘F).	Loss of delicate aromas and the formation of off-flavors (rancidity).
Oxygen (Autoxidation)	Reacts directly with fatty acids, initiating the chemical breakdown of the oil.	Stale, waxy, or crayon-like smell and taste.

The Bottom Line: Any lapse in protection against these factors means the oil you use at home may no longer meet the quality standards it had when it left the mill.

2. The Packaging Solution: Why Opaque is Optimal for Extra Virgin Olive Oil Storage

A producer's choice of container is a strong indicator of their commitment to quality extra virgin olive oil by showing they understand the need for light protection.

A. Dark Glass Bottles

Dark glass (amber or deep green) is the minimum standard for quality. It acts as a powerful filter, shielding the oil from a large portion of harmful UV rays and visible light, which slows down the degradation of polyphenols and Vitamin E.

B. Metal Tins (Cans/Fusti)

For maximum light protection—especially for larger volumes—metal containers (tins) are often the superior choice.

• 100% Light Blockage: Metal is completely opaque, offering a perfect barrier against all forms of light.

• Minimized Air: Metal tins are often filled with less headspace (the air above the oil), reducing the amount of exposed oxygen and providing an added defense against autoxidation.

3. The Quality Signature: Temperature-Controlled Shipping

The journey from the mill to your pantry—known as the supply chain—is a Critical Control Point (CCP) where high heat can destroy the oil in just days.

Temperature control during shipping is non-negotiable for premium EVOO.

The ideal transport temperature is between 15∘C and 22∘C (59∘F and 72∘F). Quality producers utilize temperature-controlled (refrigerated) containers or special thermal protection because:

The Risk of Uncontrolled Shipping	The Sign of Quality Control
Rancidity Spikes: A shipping container parked on a dock in the summer can reach temperatures well over 50∘C(122∘F), causing rapid, irreversible oxidation.	Preserved Integrity: The oil maintains its ideal temperature range, significantly slowing down the oxidation rate.
Quality Downgrade: High heat exposure often raises key chemical markers (like peroxide values), causing a formerly Extra Virgin oil to be legally downgraded before it even reaches the store shelf.	Quality Commitment: Investing in temperature-controlled transport is a commitment that demonstrates the producer is prioritizing the preservation of quality and health benefits over cheap logistics.

Simply put: A producer who ships using temperature control shipping is guaranteeing you receive the vibrant, flavorful EVOO they intended to sell, not a rancid imitation.

Final Takeaway: How to Buy the Best

When purchasing your next bottle of olive oil, look for these two simple indicators that signal a producer’s commitment to quality:

1. Packaging: Is it stored in dark glass or a fully opaque metal tin?

2. Sourcing/Shipping: Does the seller mention their commitment to temperature-stable storage and transport?

Don't compromise on quality. Opt for the oil that has been protected from the moment it was pressed—your palate and your health will taste the difference.

Explore our curated selection of premium, dark-packaged, and temperature-stable Italian olive oils today! Rest assured that each of our bottles of olive oil are shipped with couriers who use temperature controlled shipping to ensure the olive oil quality is always exceptional.