Spoiler: Olive oil can indeed, well, spoil.
To keep your oil fresh and nutritious, plus avoid a rotten mishap, experts have some advice.
How long does it take for olive oil to go bad?
We tend to forget, but olives are a fruit, and the pressed oil is likewise perishable.
What’s more, he calls that a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule.
But as the least processed of all olive oils, extra virgin is your best bet.
Once you’ve opened a bottle of oil, however, the oxidation process picks up.
How can you tell olive oil has gone bad?
It has a thin texture, a pleasant aroma, and a bright freshness.
Rancid olive oil, on the other hand, has none of these things.
The flavor and scent of oxidization, is quite distinct.
For chef Samuel McCandless ofArcanain Boulder, Colorado, the aroma is key.
“It’s pretty easy to tell from the smell,” he says.
“When it’s bad, it doesn’t smell fresh and fruity.
If it smells waxy, like crayons, it’s gone.”
If you’re having trouble going by scent alone, swirl a bit in your mouth.
You’ll know it’s rancid if it’s generally unpleasant and overly greasy.
Can you use expired olive oil?
There’s a difference between rancid olive oil and oil that’s past its expiration date.
Truly rancid olive oil won’t hurt you, but it’s not doing much for you either.
“Extra-virgin olive oil is meant to enhance a food’s flavor.
Moon notes olive oil is generally good for 12 to 20 months past its harvest date.
Between the two, you should have no problem deciding if an oil has turned.
Does old olive oil have as many benefits?
That’s another drawback to old oil.
“So over time, older olive oil loses its antioxidants.”
In other words, the fresher, the better, in terms of both flavor and health.
The best way to store olive oil.
“Oxygen, light, and heat degrade oil the quickest,” says Savage.
“The best way to keep oil is in your pantry.”
If your oil doesn’t come in a darkly tinted, opaque bottleand it shouldconsider a fusti.
Should you refrigerate olive oil?
“like don’t put your oil in the fridge,” says Savage.
The bottom line.
Olive oil does have a shelf life, but it’s easy to tell when it has turned.
If it smells or tastes off, you’re probably holding a bottle of rancid olive oil.
And rememberit should live in a cabinet, not on the counter or fridge.
From there, you have about 60 days to enjoy your antioxidant-packed oil.
