How to store white truffle oil without losing its aroma
Share
The aroma of white truffle is delicate. That is why the way you store white truffle oil makes the difference between an intense last drop and an oil that has lost its character. The good news: storing it well is very simple.
What affects the aroma of truffle oil
Truffle's aromatic compounds are volatile and sensitive. Their three enemies are:
- Light, which degrades both the oil and the aromas.
- Heat, which speeds up the evaporation of the aromatic compounds and the oxidation of the oil.
- Air, which oxidises the oil every time the bottle is left open.
Tips for storing white truffle oil
1. Protect it from light
Keep it in its original bottle, inside a cupboard or pantry. Avoid leaving it on the worktop next to a window.
2. Away from heat
Don't store it next to the oven, the hob or the dishwasher. A stable, cool room temperature is ideal.
3. No fridge
It doesn't need refrigerating, and it isn't advisable: the cold can make the oil solidify, and temperature swings from taking it in and out don't do it any good.
4. Close it tightly after each use
The less time it is open, the less aroma it loses. Put the cap back on as soon as you have served.
5. Use a dispenser if you need one
If you use a lot, you can decant a small amount into a dispenser bottle for daily use and keep the main bottle closed. Many professional kitchens do this with the 1-litre format.
6. Enjoy it at its best
Once opened, it is best used within the following 12-24 months to enjoy its full aroma. It doesn't suddenly go off after that, but its intensity gradually fades.
Choose the size that matches your use
The best way to preserve the aroma is to buy the size you will get through at a good pace:
How do I know if it has lost its aroma?
Smell it when you open it. White truffle oil in good condition has an intense, recognisable aroma straight away. If it barely smells, or the oil smells rancid, it is time for a new bottle.
And when cooking, remember
The best storage is pointless if the aroma is lost in the pan. Always add the oil at the end, raw, over the hot dish. Ideas in 10 recipes with white truffle oil.
What about fresh white truffle?
Fresh truffle is a very different product that lasts only a few days and needs different care. We explain it in how to store white truffle to enjoy it to the last day, and the differences between the two in white truffle oil vs. fresh truffle.
📖 See our complete guide to formats and uses and the ultimate guide to white truffle.