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POLITIKOFF

Why do olive oil bottles have to be dark in color?

Politiko 2025-06-08 18:55:21

Why do olive oil bottles have to be dark in color?

Have you ever noticed that most olive oil bottles, whether plastic or glass, are green or generally dark in color? This is not just for aesthetic reasons. There is a very important reason behind this design.

Olive oil absorbs metals it comes into contact with.

Storing olive oil in appropriate packaging and with a proper filling process is essential. The oxidation of the olive fruit begins at the moment of harvest and continues during its storage. Therefore, filling the oil in dark-colored bottles helps the product remain fresh, while the color of the bottle filters ultraviolet (UV) rays.

In fact, exposure to sunlight can even affect the flavor of the oil, eliminating its fruity aromas. Although any type of dark or opaque container, such as dark glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, is a very good choice for storing oil, the most commonly used are green glass bottles.

This is because green glass is more available and produced in large quantities by industry.

According to some studies, high concentrations of heavy metals in the body are linked to the occurrence of certain types of cancer. For this reason, iron or copper packaging is not recommended, as these metals can be absorbed by the oil and pass into our body.

However, regardless of the packaging material, how you store it at home is just as important. The oil should always be kept in a cool, dry place – ideally in a closed cupboard – and not on the kitchen counter where it is exposed to sunlight.

How to choose a quality olive oil:

Avoid plastic bottles, they are more porous and allow light to pass through, compared to glass, ceramic or stainless steel ones. Some studies have shown that plastic packaging can release microplastics into the product.

Choose bottles that are stored in cool places, not on the top shelves of supermarkets or under direct sunlight. Exposure to light and heat negatively affects the quality of the oil.

Check the harvest date on the label before purchasing. The fresher the olive oil, the healthier and tastier it is.

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