We get it — olive oil seems simple. You drizzle it, you cook with it, you dip your bread in it.
But even the most seasoned home cooks make mistakes that can ruin its flavor and health benefits.
Here are the top 9 mistakes and how to keep your EVOO fresh, tasty, and powerful.👇
🚫 1. Storing Olive Oil Next to the Stove
Heat and light break down olive oil’s antioxidants and flavor way faster than you think.
✅ Fix: Keep it in a cool, dark cabinet — not on the counter by the oven.
🚫 2. Buying Clear Glass Bottles
If you can see through the bottle, so can the light… and that’s bad news for your EVOO.
✅ Fix: Always pick dark or opaque glass bottles to protect your oil.
🚫 3. Forgetting to Seal the Cap
Oxygen is olive oil’s #1 enemy. Leave the cap loose and your oil will go rancid sooner.
✅ Fix: Close the cap tight after every single use.
🚫 4. Pouring Straight from a Giant Tin
The more air that gets in, the faster your oil oxidizes and loses its goodness.
✅ Fix: Refill a small bottle for daily use and keep the bulk container sealed.
🚫 5. Believing EVOO Isn’t for Cooking
Big myth. A good early-harvest extra virgin olive oil is perfectly safe for most stovetop recipes.
✅ Fact: EVOO stays stable up to 410°F (210°C) — great for sautéing, roasting, even frying.
🚫 6. Saving Olive Oil Just for Salads
You’re missing out on so much flavor!
✅ Fix: Drizzle it on ice cream, yogurt, even coffee. And yes, it’s amazing for frying too.
🚫 7. Ignoring the “Best Before” Date
Old oil tastes flat and loses all those healthy nutrients.
✅ Fix: Rotate your stock and always reach for freshly harvested olive oil.
🚫 8. Skipping the Smell Test
Rancid oil? Think crayons, old nuts, or play dough.
Fresh EVOO smells grassy, fruity, vibrant.
✅ Fix: Trust your nose before you drizzle.
🚫 9. Using Just One Olive Oil for Everything
Different dishes deserve different vibes.
✅ Fix:
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Go for robust EVOOs for bold dishes like grilled meats or hearty veggies.
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Choose delicate EVOOs for seafood, dressings, and desserts.
The Takeaway
Treat your olive oil right and it’ll reward you with fresh taste, powerful antioxidants, and next-level flavor in every dish.
At Olizzi, we hand-pick early-harvest olives, cold-press them right away, and bottle in dark glass to lock in all that goodness — so all you have to do is store it right and enjoy.