Does Olive Oil Go Bad? | Big Paw Olive Oil

Everybody loves the variety of flavors and aroma that olives could offer as it is one of the most complex ingredients out there, aside from being incredibly healthy. However, like any other food items on your table, except wine, Olive Oil could also go bad over time. This article will discuss some indicators that your olives are about to expire and ways to prevent them while potentially extending their shelf life and keeping their raw flavors.

Signs that Your Olive Oil Has Gone Bad

Your best bet, of course, is to check the label first. Find out if it has an expiration date, as that would be an estimate of the actual shelf life of your Olive Oil. If you are way past the expiration date, it’s probably best to throw it out and get a new one. However, expiration dates won’t be as accurate, so a day or week won’t hurt if it still works for you.

Another option is to do it the best way, the ‘sniff test.’ Consider it as checking a fruit if it’s rotten or not. By sniffing your olive oil, you’ll quickly figure out if it’s still good to use or not, regardless of whether there’s an expiration label. If you notice an unpleasant or rancid scent, your Olive Oil has probably gone bad.

Ways to Prevent Olive Oil from Passing

Keep in mind that your Olive Oil will inevitably expire over time and what you can only do is extend its shelf a little longer than expected. Nevertheless, keeping them off from heat and light seems to be working well in preventing them from going bad. Avoid storing them near stoves, direct sunlight and if it’s possible, keep them in a cool dark place or a designated cabinet.

Another excellent way to maintain your olive oil is to use them in small batches instead of a big container. This keeps your oil from exposure every time you open the lid or use it. That way, you’ll only expose a portion of your Olive Oil and keep the rest in a designated spot away from heat and light, extending its shelf life over time.

Should Olive Oil Be Refrigerated?

Suppose your room temperature is slightly warmer than usual; storing your Olive Oils inside a refrigerator should be fine. However, it might be helpful to know that cold temperatures could also impact the Olive Oil’s texture, and varying temperature changes while using it and storing it could hurt your Olive Oil’s shelf life for every use. Still, the best way to keep them remains in a cool, dark place away from light and heat, preferably in a cupboard or cabinet.

How Long Does Olive Oil Last?

Since we’re talking about Olive Oils and keeping them from expiring, how long should we expect them to last? So typically, a bottle of Olive Oil should last for about 18-24 months which may vary depending on how it’s stored. Remember that Olive Oil may last a little longer than Extra Virgin Olive Oils.