Does olive oil go off?
Olive oil expires a few months after birth. It’s a shame, but it’s the price to pay for such a fresh and “living” product. It is is composed of oleic acid (more than 70% depending on the variety) and other minor components, fatty acids and polyphenols. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated acid, responsible for our cardiovascular health.
Unlike wine, time harms olive oil, because both oleic acid and polyphenols are fragile. In fact, the “greener” and therefore fresher the oil, the faster it ages. The reason lies partly in its suspended chlorophylls, which capture the light rays and oxidize it.
Other enemies are oxygen and heat. Therefore, when we open a bottle of EVOO for the first time, the air that will inevitably enter will begin to oxidize it. So, we must avoid opening the oil bottle too often. Likewise, it is recommended to keep the oil in a cool place, and much better, in a wine fridge. These refrigerators generally maintain temperatures around 14º-16º, much more “appetizing” for olive oil than 25º-30º in summer.
When does olive oil expire?
Most olive oils can last 18–24 months from the time they’re bottled, while extra virgin olive oils may last a bit less, around 12–18 months. Beyond this time, it will go rancid. … You’ll know your olive oil has gone rancid by giving it a taste. It may taste bitter or sour and smell a bit like crayons or putty.
It’s really more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast expiration date, meant for determining the freshness of an unopened bottle. Once you open the bottle, you should really try to use it up within 30 to 60 days. That being said, you don’t have to immediately toss a bottle that’s 30 days old if it seems fine.
And if you bought a giant bottle in bulk, decant it into a smaller bottle so you’re not exposing all that oil to air every time you open it. Even though it’s not as cost-effective, we ultimately recommend buying smaller quantities at a time.
Should olive oil be refrigerated?
Sure, you can store your olive oil in the fridge, but keep in mind that it will probably solidify at such a cold temperature. If you live in a particularly hot or humid environment, it might extend the life of your oil by a bit, but it’s easier to just buy smaller amounts and use them quickly.
Cooking with rancid olive oil won’t make you sick like eating spoiled meat would, but it’s likely lost any nutritional value or antioxidants. Also, it will definitely make your food taste weird. If it smells fine and looks fine, it’s OK to use, but it might not taste as peppery or bright as when you first bought it.