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Extra virgin olive oil is a precious product, a cornerstone of our cuisine and Mediterranean diet since time immemorial, and it is precisely for this reason that it requires special care and attention in every single phase of processing, from harvesting to conservation.
Choosing the best container for extra virgin olive oil is a decision that must be thought out and pondered, as it is essential for the correct maintenance of EVO oil, preserving its organoleptic characteristics and guaranteeing quality in the future.
In today’s article on the Bonamini Blog we will explore together and in greater depth the vast, even if it does not seem so, world of olive oil containers, giving you all the necessary and complete information on the various types available, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses, on how to choose the oil containers best suited to your needs and on how to use and maintain these oil cans over time.
The world of olive oil containers is more varied than it seems; in fact, there are different types of containers for extra virgin olive oil, each with different characteristics and peculiarities.
Let’s see them together below:
• Glass: traditionally the most used material for the conservation of olive oil; this is due to the fact that glass is an inert material, that is, it does not release substances into the oil and protects it from light and for this reason it is said that the best containers for extra virgin olive oil are dark glass bottles, as they preserve its color and flavor. Available in the most varied shapes and sizes, it is however important that these containers for olive oil have a special cap, under the aluminum capsule; this cap is called anti-refill and it is mandatory for oil containers that are served on restaurant tables. The reason? Simple, in addition to helping in pouring the oil as it acts as a dispenser, it prevents fraud, that is, that this container for extra virgin olive oil is filled with a product that does not correspond to what is reported on the label.
• Stainless Steel: sturdy, hygienic and easy to clean material; one of the best oil containers preferred in the past, when families had a 30-litre oil can in the cellar, as it is impermeable to light and oxidation and guarantees more than excellent conservation of the extra virgin olive oil. It is important that they have a spout dispenser for precise pouring and a lower possibility of oxidation of the olive oil.
• Tin: economical and light, if of good quality these oil containers are internally coated with a protective layer that prevents direct contact of the extra virgin olive oil with the metal itself. It is preferable, however, to purchase olive oil cans of the correct size taking into account personal consumption and that of your family.
• Ceramic: the most elegant and decorative option for oil containers; however, ceramic is a breathable material that allows the oil to breathe slightly, causing micro-oxygenation and therefore, in the long run, it is possible that the product may slightly change appearance and taste. Furthermore, being a fragile material, it does not have the “strength” necessary to completely protect the oil from light, so it is recommended to use only small-sized containers for olive oil, so as to consume it quickly.
• Plastic: light, cheap and practical yes, but not the ideal choice of oil container for the long-term preservation of extra virgin olive oil. This material, especially if low quality, can release harmful substances into the oil and alter its flavor; furthermore, it does not protect the olive oil from sunlight in any way and therefore it is preferable and advisable to purchase the aforementioned oil containers.
Finally, the choice for the best oil containers must always take into account three fundamental points, which today we want to share with you so that you can proceed with the correct maintenance of the precious green gold.
The size of the olive oil container is important, which must be proportionate to the quantity of oil used and to be stored. Based on the needs of your family unit, you will be able to determine whether it is better to buy smaller oil containers, such as the format ranging from 250ml to 1l or the larger olive oil cans, up to 5 liters.
In addition to the format, the way in which extra virgin olive oil is stored also determines its possible deterioration; if the extra virgin olive oil is stored on a shelf or in the pantry, at room temperature, it is necessary to choose an oil container in dark glass or stainless steel, so that the product is protected from light and, in any case, it is also important that everything is kept away from heat sources of any kind.
We conclude by mentioning a much discussed and requested topic when talking about containers for olive oil and that is aesthetics, because yes, appearance matters too. In fact, more and more people choose a container for extra virgin olive oil that can also be a decorative element in the kitchen, such as ceramic oil containers, in the most varied shapes and colors, often true masterpieces of craftsmanship. This trend is also followed by the fact that more and more people are requesting special packages of extra virgin olive oil, to give to their guests as gastronomic favors for various important events and ceremonies.
Discover our service of favors for extra virgin olive oil!
In the end, we can decree that the best place to store extra virgin olive oil is in a controlled and clean environment, equipped with the right materials to ensure that the product maintains all its qualities intact until the moment of consumption. This not only protects the olive oil, but also ensures that we, the consumers, can fully enjoy a high-quality product, rich in flavor and health benefits.
