posted by PHILEOS EVOO INC on December 18, 2023
Have you ever wondered if the olive oil you buy in a plastic bottle is safe? When it comes to food packaging, it's important to consider not just the convenience and aesthetics of the packaging, but also its potential impact on our health and the environment.
How you store your olive oil matters. Grabbing a bottle at the store you might not put much thought into olive beyond selecting your favourite brand Phileos of Sparta, but it's a sensitive ingredient that can degrade if handled improperly. Considering that olive oil is one of the tastiest pantry staples you've got, and the fact that it's getting more and more expensive by the year, the last thing you want to do is waste your money on improperly stored oil.
Finding olive oil packed in plastic bottles should be a warning sign to consumers that the olive oil brand and manufacturer are not well versed in the production of olive oil nor maintain high quality standards. This is 2024 and the research is clear. - plastic and olive oil don't mix. Therefore, do yourself a favour and just stay away from oil in plastic bottles. Instead, pick up glass or tin of Phileos of Sparta online or at your favourite grocer. "A study by the UC Davis Olive Center showed olive oil is corrosive to plastic. This means that when it sits on the shelf for an extended period of time, olive oil can break down plastic containers, which results in microplastics in your oil."
Microplastics are small plastic particles that have been found in various environments, including the air, water, and food. These particles are concerning because they can accumulate in the human body and potentially lead to health problems.
Olive Oil is Best Stored in Dark Glass or Aluminum Tin Plate
So storing your olive oil in plastic, or buying brands that sell in plastic containers, is a big "don't," but how should you store your olive oil? "The safest and best materials to use for storage of olive oil are glass and aluminum tin plate. "Phileos EVOO Inc packs all of its Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils in these two types of material. You can also store olive oil in ceramic or stainless steel containers, but you want to avoid any reactive metals, like copper, which can interact with the oil and compromise the flavour.
Glass bottles are a time-tested alternative to plastic packaging for olive oil.
- Glass is non-reactive and does not interact with the oil, making it safe and eco-friendly.
- Glass is easy to recycle, reducing plastic waste.
Aluminum tin plate is another alternative to plastic packaging for olive oil.
- Like glass, aluminum cans are non-reactive and do not interact with the oil.
- Aluminum cans are lightweight and easy to transport, offering convenience to manufacturers and consumers.
Beyond avoiding plastic bottles, the three things you want to consider when storing olive oil are light, heat, and oxygen. Your oil should be stored in a dark place like a cupboard that's normally closed, and away from heat sources like stoves, as both things can degrade olive oil, even when in a proper container. Avoiding light also means opaque glass bottles are better than clear if that's an option for you. Oxygen is the toughest to deal with, as once your bottle of olive oil is opened, air getting in is inevitable.
If you keep your olive oil stored properly, you'll be consistently treated to one of the most rich and flavorful oils the world has to offer.