How to Best Store Nocellara del Belice Olive Oil During Summer

Nocellara del Belice extra virgin olive oil is one of Sicily’s most prized agri-food treasures. Pressed from an ancient native cultivar from the Belice Valley, this oil is appreciated worldwide for its fruity aroma, balanced taste, and perfect harmony between sweet, bitter, and spicy notes. Like all quality oils, it is a living product, sensitive to external factors and prone to spoilage if not stored properly — especially during summer, when high temperatures and humidity can compromise its organoleptic properties.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Extra virgin olive oil is mainly composed of monounsaturated fats and contains a wealth of polyphenols — natural antioxidants responsible for its aroma, flavor, and health benefits. These elements are particularly vulnerable to three enemies: heat, light, and oxygen.
Summer, with its long sunny days and high temperatures, is the most critical season for proper olive oil storage. Prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight can accelerate oxidation and lead to rancidity, loss of aroma, and diminished nutritional value.

The Risks of High Temperatures

Nocellara del Belice olive oil should be stored at temperatures between 12°C and 20°C. When temperatures exceed 25°C, its chemical composition begins to alter: free acidity rises and polyphenol content decreases.
Leaving a bottle near a window, stove, or in a warm pantry during summer can seriously compromise its quality. Heat speeds up oxidation and leads to loss of flavor and freshness.

The Right Containers

The type of container is just as important. The best options are dark glass bottles or, even better, aluminum tins, as they protect oil from light and photo-oxidation.
Transparent bottles, often used for aesthetic purposes, are not suitable for storage — especially in hot months. If you use a clear bottle, store it in a closed cabinet, away from heat and light.
Make sure the cap seals perfectly: contact with air oxidizes the oil. Anti-refill caps are a good choice, as they ensure an airtight seal.

Where to Store Olive Oil in Summer

Choose a cool, dark, dry place — ideally a cellar or a well-ventilated pantry. Avoid leaving it on kitchen counters, near appliances that generate heat, or exposed to sunlight.
Those who buy oil in bulk can store it in climate-controlled rooms or small refrigerated units, keeping the temperature steady around 15°C.

Mind Your Daily Habits

Even small habits make a big difference. Avoid leaving large bottles on the table under light and heat for hours. Instead, pour a small amount into an opaque cruet just before use.
Always close the bottle tightly after each use to limit contact with oxygen and preserve its freshness.

Conclusion

Nocellara del Belice olive oil is a premium product that encapsulates the scents and richness of Sicilian land. Protecting it from heat, light, and air during summer means preserving its taste, aroma, and health benefits — so every drop of this “green gold” remains as fresh and flavorful as the day it was bottled.