Food safety experts are sounding the alarm for British households, warning that a simple mistake made in kitchens up and down the country could be turning your healthy olive oil into a potential health hazard.
A shocking video that has gone viral on social media platform TikTok, originally posted by user @cookingwithshereen, reveals that storing your olive oil next to the stove is a catastrophic error. While incredibly convenient for cooking, this common practice is destroying the oil's nutritional value and could even make it toxic.
Why Heat is the Enemy of Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is celebrated for its rich antioxidant content and powerful health benefits, including supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. However, these precious compounds are incredibly delicate.
"Heat, light, and oxygen are the three enemies of olive oil," explains the expert in the viral clip. Storing the bottle on the counter next to the cooker exposes it to all three simultaneously. The consistent heat from the hob effectively "cooks" the oil slowly over time, degrading its quality long before it ever hits your pan.
The Hidden Dangers in Your Kitchen
This degradation isn't just about losing flavour. When olive oil oxidises and breaks down due to heat exposure, it can form harmful compounds that are detrimental to your health. You're essentially consuming damaged fats that have lost their nutritional superpowers.
Furthermore, this mistake is hitting Brits in their wallets. High-quality extra virgin olive oil is a premium product, and storing it incorrectly means you're not getting the health benefits you paid for.
How to Store Your Olive Oil Correctly
To protect your oil and your health, follow these simple steps:
- Keep it cool: Store your olive oil in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry, away from any direct heat sources like the oven or hob.
- Dark glass is best: Opt for olive oil sold in dark-tinted glass bottles, which help to protect it from light damage.
- Seal it tight: Always ensure the lid is screwed on tightly after use to minimise exposure to oxygen.
- Don't buy in bulk: Unless you use vast quantities, purchase smaller bottles more frequently to ensure you're always using fresh, potent oil.
By making this simple change, you can ensure your olive oil retains its maximum flavour, nutritional value, and health-boosting properties, making every drop count.
