Why choose stainless steel to store olive oil?
Olive oil is a living product, sensitive to light, air and heat. Stainless steel, used in most Italian mills, offers three major advantages: it protects the oil from oxidation, passes on no off-flavours and makes it easy to clean perfectly between two harvests. This solution, standard among professionals, is also starting to win over demanding enthusiasts at home.
To go beyond the simple tin or bottle, many Italian families invest in a food-grade stainless steel drum, called a "fusto". This container, long reserved for producers, is now available in domestic sizes. It lets you keep a large quantity of extra virgin olive oil, such as the 5 L tin of organic olive oil, away from light and air.
Discover the professional service for restaurants and fine grocers to find out more about managing oils day to day.
The concrete benefits of stainless steel storage at home
Protection against oxidation
Stainless steel is completely airtight: it limits the entry of air, which slows down the oxidation of the oil and preserves its aromas for longer. Unlike plastic or clear glass, it lets no light through.
Neutrality and perfect hygiene
No transfer of taste or substance: food-grade stainless steel never alters flavours. It is easy to clean, leaving no residue between two fillings. That is what explains its adoption in family mills in southern Italy.
Practical format and controlled pouring
Stainless steel drums come in several sizes: 2, 3, 5 litres or more. A built-in tap makes it easy to fill your table bottle, limiting handling and the risk of waste.
If you use a lot of olive oil, it makes sense to buy a large format such as the 5 L tin of organic olive oil and decant it into a stainless steel drum, then into a small carafe or dark bottle for serving.
How do you use stainless steel day to day?
1. Choose the right container
- Go for a certified food-grade stainless steel drum with a tap
- Match the size to how much you use (2 to 5 litres for a household)
- Clean it thoroughly before the first use
2. Fill and decant without oxidising
- Fill the drum in one go to limit contact with air
- Use a small dark bottle for serving at the table
- Always close the tap after use
3. Where should you put your stainless steel drum?
- Away from light and heat (cupboard, pantry)
- Avoid keeping it near the oven or a window
To personalise your experience and give your table a professional touch, discover the personalised bottle configurator.
Frequently asked questions
Why do producers store olive oil in stainless steel?
Stainless steel protects the oil from air and light, passes on no taste and allows perfect cleaning, which is why it is used almost systematically in Italian mills.
Can olive oil be kept in a plastic bottle?
Plastic lets air through and can alter the aromas, especially over the long term. Stainless steel or dark glass remain preferable for optimal storage.
How do you decant oil from a 5 L tin without wasting it?
Use a stainless steel drum with a tap to fill a small bottle easily, and avoid the repeated handling that speeds up oxidation.
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