Millions worldwide improperly store olive oil, leading to a bitter taste. Discover the reasons behind this common mistake and how to preserve its quality.

Previously, experts uncovered the truth about air fryers that no one knew — they claimed that millions of users have been misled. Continuing to debunk myths, experts from Which magazine identified a common mistake that causes olive oil to go rancid more quickly, as reported by Daily Mail.

Millions of people around the globe prefer to keep olive oil near the stove for easy access. Unfortunately, according to experts, this can actually cause the oil to go rancid faster and become more bitter.

Fortunately for us, researchers also revealed where we should actually store olive oil. Experts recommend keeping olive oil in a cupboard away from light, heat, and oxygen. It’s also advisable to store olive oil in a cool, dark place.

Unlike wine, olive oil does not improve with age, so it shouldn't be stored for many years. The reason is that once a bottle is opened, olive oil is exposed to oxygen, which deteriorates the quality of the product. For optimal flavor and health benefits, scientists advise keeping an opened bottle of olive oil for no more than a couple of months.

Researchers also note that to maintain the quality of olive oil, it should be kept away from any heat sources, but it should not be placed in the refrigerator. The fact is that storing olive oil in the fridge will not extend its shelf life but will spoil its quality; it’s better to opt for a cool, dark cupboard.

Experts also urge consumers to pay close attention to packaging. As a result, researchers recommend avoiding oil sold in clear plastic bottles, which can ruin the flavor of the product. Ideally, oil should be stored in a tin can or a dark glass bottle. Choosing such packaging will help block light and preserve the quality of the product.

It is worth noting that the study emerged shortly after olive oil prices nearly tripled over the past three years.

It’s no secret that olive oil is also beneficial for human health. Previous studies have already shown how the consumption of olive oil affects the human body and discussed how much olive oil one should eat per day.