Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsExtremely expensive olive oil
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2012
The cost of Taibi oil is extremely expensive for olive oil, even buying from a small orchard in Sicily. In Sicily, a one litre can of top quality organic oil costs about $12. This Taibi oil is a bottle half that size so worth about $6. Can the cost of shipping really be over $40? I don't think so.
Another firstclass oil from Sicily available on Amazon for only $20.79 is Mandranova Biancolilla Extra Virgin Olive Oil 17 oz.
Olive oil is bottled and released for sale two to five months after pressing. For example, oil that was pressed in the fall of 2010 - as this oil is dated - came to market from February to May of 2011.
The shelf life of most extra-virgin olive oils is anywhere from 1 year to 18 months from the bottling date, but it is always a good idea to do as the locals do and buy fresh oil when the new release comes to market.
Unlike wine, olive oil does not improve with age, so you can assume a 4-6 month shelf life for opened bottles, and a full year in a sealed bottle from one release date to the next.
If you purchase an olive oil that is stronger than you like, just set it aside for a few months and then taste it again. Olive oils gradually mellow over the course of the year.
Because olive oil is susceptible to deterioration from air, you may be better off purchasing olive oil frequently, in smaller quantities, rather than purchasing one large container. Most top producers put their oil into dark glass bottles or clear bottles that are covered in a foil wrap. Clear glass bottles allow damaging light to affect the oil, bleaching the color and souring the flavor. Keep your oils away from heat sources, such as a radiator, the backsplash of your stove, or the sun.
It is best to keep your olive oil at a slightly cool temperature that does not fluctuate ...but do not refrigerate it.
See also the new book: Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil by Tom Mueller.
