Does Olive Oil Go Bad?
Yes, olive oil can go rancid over time. Unopened olive oil typically lasts 18-24 months from bottling, while opened bottles should be used within 3-6 months for best quality. Rancid oil has an unpleasant smell and taste but is not harmful to consume.
Key Takeaways
- Olive oil degrades through oxidation, a chemical process accelerated by exposure to light, heat, and air.
- Olive oil may solidify or become cloudy when refrigerated; this is normal and reverses at room temperature.
- Harvest date is more reliable than best-by date for judging freshness; look for oils less than 2 years from harvest.
Explanation
Olive oil degrades through oxidation, a chemical process accelerated by exposure to light, heat, and air. Extra virgin olive oil, being less processed, is more susceptible to degradation than refined olive oils.
Signs of rancid olive oil include a crayon-like, musty, or stale smell, and a bitter or unpleasant taste. Fresh olive oil should smell fruity, grassy, or peppery depending on the variety.
Store olive oil in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing near the stove or in direct sunlight. Dark glass bottles or metal tins protect oil better than clear containers.
Things to Know
- Olive oil may solidify or become cloudy when refrigerated; this is normal and reverses at room temperature.
- Harvest date is more reliable than best-by date for judging freshness; look for oils less than 2 years from harvest.
- Infused olive oils have shorter shelf lives due to added ingredients.