myths and facts image about how time affects olive oil

How time affects Olive Oil: Myth, Fact and Storage

Myth – Like wine, olive oil becomes better over time

When it comes to fine products like wine and olive oil, people often assume that both improve with time. This is one of the most common misconceptions about olive oil.

The Fact – Unlike wine, olive oil loses its quality as it ages.

The well-known Greek saying “wine should be old and olive oil new” confirms the reality. Olive oil is at its best when it’s fresh and its taste, aroma and nutritional value diminish as time passes. If you want the best extra virgin olive oil experience, freshness is everything.

Why Fresh Olive Oil Matters

Olive oil is a natural product made from freshly harvested olives. From the moment it is harvested, it begins to slowly oxidize. Exposure to light, heat and air accelerates this process, reducing both flavor and health benefits. Over time:

  • Aroma fades – The fruity, peppery notes of fresh extra virgin olive oil disappear.
  • Nutritional value drops – Beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols decline.
  • Taste becomes flat – Instead of being fresh and grassy, old olive oil tastes flat or with the possibility of developing a defect.

Simply put: olive oil does not get better with age.

How to Store Olive Oil Properly

If you want to keep your extra virgin olive oil fresh for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Keep it cool – Room temperature (around 12 – 15°C) is ideal.
  • Avoid sunlight – Store olive oil in a dark cupboard or pantry.
  • Use dark bottles – Clear bottles expose oil to light, speeding up spoilage.
  • Seal tightly – Always close the cap to prevent oxidation.

Following these tips is the best way to keep extra virgin olive oil fresh and flavorful.

Why Buy Fresh Greek Olive Oil from Olive Epitome

At Olive Epitome, we make sure that every bottle of our premium Greek extra virgin olive oil collection reaches you at peak freshness. Unlike oils that may sit on shelves for months, our extra virgin olive oils are carefully stored and shipped quickly to preserve their full aroma and nutritional value.

When you buy extra virgin olive oil from Olive Epitome, you’re choosing:

  • Freshly new harvested extra virgin olive oils that maintain maximum polyphenols and antioxidants
  • Superior flavor that elevates salads, cooking and dipping
  • Authentic Greek 100% extra virgin olive oil rooted in centuries

If you’re searching for the best place to buy fresh Greek extra virgin olive oil online, Olive Epitome is your trusted source.

Conclusion – Fresh Olive Oil Is the Key to True Flavor and Health.

Unlike wine, the quality of olive oil deteriorates over time. Store your olive oil in a dark and cool place away from other odors and consume it within a few weeks of its opening.

The lifetime of a superior quality olive oil can be even more than 2 years at an ideal maintenance temperature of 12 ° C to 15 ° C. The important thing for a premium olive oil, namely an extra virgin olive oil, which is of the highest quality, is to remain extra virgin until its expiration date.

With Olive Epitome, you can taste the difference of truly 100% fresh Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Oil Enemies

Yes, olive oil has a shelf life. While unopened bottles can last up to 18–24 months, once opened, it’s best to use them within 3–6 weeks for optimal flavor and health benefits.
Defective olive oil loses its fruity aroma and may smell like crayons, putty or rancid nuts. The taste will also be flat, greasy or unpleasant.
The main enemies of extra virgin olive oil are light, heat, air, time and the packaging material. These factors accelerate the oxidation process.
To protect your olive oil, store it in a cool, dark place and always keep the bottle tightly sealed after use. Alternatively, you can use a wine cooler that can maintain olive oil at a stable temperature around 15°C.
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