No, you should not store olive oil in plastic containers. Multiple sources strongly advise against this practice.
Why Avoid Plastic?
Several reasons explain why plastic is unsuitable for olive oil storage:
-
Polyphenol Loss: Plastic allows polyphenols, the beneficial compounds responsible for extra virgin olive oil's health benefits, to evaporate. (Reddit r/oliveoil) This diminishes the oil's nutritional value.
-
Plastic Degradation: Olive oil can break down the plastic over time, leading to leaching of chemicals into the oil. (Reddit r/Cooking, Phileos EVOO) This compromises the oil's quality and potentially introduces harmful substances.
-
Microplastic Contamination: Heat, light, and stress can cause plastic to degrade into microplastics, contaminating the oil. (SELO Olive Oil)
-
Oxidation: While some darker plastics might seem suitable, the best storage material is glass. (BobIsTheOilGuy, A Olivier) Even then, it's not the ideal solution for long-term storage.
Recommended Storage Options
The best materials for storing olive oil are:
- Glass: Glass is inert and doesn't react with the oil, preserving its quality and flavor.
- Aluminum Tin Plate: Another safe and reliable option. (Olive Oil and Beyond)
Conclusion
Storing olive oil in glass or aluminum containers is crucial to maintain its quality and health benefits. Avoid plastic containers to prevent potential contamination and degradation.
