Does Olive Oil go Bad?

 

You might have this question pops up in your mind more than just one time when you start cleaning up your kitchen pantry.

In fact, Olive oil can be kept for a long time if you store it at a right condition. And, that’s why there is no expiration date on the bottle of olive oil. But, we do have best before date on it. And, here is the question.

Source: Betty Crocker

 

What is the difference between Expiration Date and Best Before Date?

 

Expiration date is the date to let consumers know that the last day of the olive oil is safe to be consumed. While, Best Before Date is the date indicates the olive oil is no longer maintains its full organoleptic properties, which means no longer to have perfect conditions in terms of flavors and tastes after the best before date. However, it does not necessarily mean that the olive oil is no longer safe to be consumed.

 

Shelf life of olive oil

 

Olive (Olea europaea) is actually considered as a fruit, not a vegetable. Fruit usually will have short shelf life. Thus, about 90% of all harvested olives are turned into olive oil to extend the shelf life of olives. Most olive oils can last up to 18 - 24 months from the date of bottling.  While, extra virgin olive oil will have shorter shelf life about 12 to 18 months due to it is less processed compared to others. It might sound like it is a very long time, but bear in mind that it has already started aging before you opened it. And, it will be way shorter after you open the bottle. Thus, check the best before date before you purchase it to make sure you purchase the freshest batch of olive oil. And, try to use it within 30-60 days after you open it or 1 year at the most.  However, it doesn’t mean that you have to throw away the bottle right after 1 year. If you store it at a right condition, it still can be used more than a year. 

How can you know if your Olive oil has gone bad?


Incorrect storage will influence the sensory quality of the oil. You may pour out the olive oil from the bottle and sniff it. It will smell rancid or even like the smells of fruits after fermentation or rot. If you cannot differentiate it by smelling, you may put a teaspoon of olive oil and swirl it in your mouth without swallowing it. You will feel the olive oil tasteless or off-flavor. Even the olive oil goes bad, it will not cause you to toilet like after consuming spoiled meat. But, it will definitely cause your dish to have weird taste.



References

[1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285822633_Packaging_and_Storage_of_Olive_Oil

[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-olive-oil-go-bad#shelf-life

[3] The effects of packaging and storage temperature on the shelf-life of extra virgin olive oil (nih.gov)

[4] https://olivegevity.com/olive-trivia-42-interesting-facts/

[5] https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/types-of-cooking-oils-and-fats

[6] https://www.purewow.com/food/does-olive-oil-go-bad