When does olive oil start to turn bad?
Just like any product, olive oil starts to change as soon as it leaves the mill. Over time, it loses some of its organoleptic and nutritional qualities, without becoming unfit for consumption or presenting a risk of food poisoning. All oils naturally tend to become stale with time, and the benefits of extra virgin olive oil will gradually diminish. For this reason, olive oil doesn’t have a shelf life and is instead subject to a “date of minimum durability”. Once opened, it should ideally be consumed within 3 months, and the container should be sealed carefully after each use: contact with the air, often or over a long period of time, results in oxidation that makes the oil stale quicker. In short, olive oil doesn’t “go off” as such, but it must be stored properly.
What’s the best container to store olive oil in?
The choice of container depends on both the oil’s characteristics and your consumption habits. People who only use oil now and then might prefer smaller containers so that they can change the olive oil more regularly. When it comes to extra virgin olive oil, opt for a container that offers good protection from light to avoid oxidation (metal, opaque glass).
Plastic bottles
Thick, dark plastic bottles can be used for storage, you’ll see these often in supermarkets. However, the only advantage to this packaging is its price. It doesn’t prevent oxidation and does little to protect the qualities of the oil. Better to avoid these if you can.
Glass container
Glass bottlesare a great way to store your oils, plus they’re good for your health and the environment. Dark or opaque glass is better than transparent because, even though it hides the beautiful golden colour, it protects the oil from light. The only disadvantage to glass bottles is that they’re more fragile and weighty than the alternatives. Anyone who’s broken a bottle of oil knows how tedious cleaning up the shards of glass can be!
Plastic can
Plastic cans are inexpensive and great for transporting and storing large quantities of olive oil. However, once opened, the olive oil oxidises rapidly, due to the large surface area in contact with the air. These are the container of choice for those who bring their own olives to the mill. For larger amounts of olive oil, metal tins are more suitable.
Stainless steel tin
In addition to its elegant design, metal tinblocks out light like opaque glass bottles do, making it a great way to store olive oil. Moreover, metal is unbreakable, and much lighter than glass. Its stunning aesthetic is another reason to love it.
Where you store your oil matters!
No matter the expiry date, you still need to store your glass, stoneware or metal container in a suitable location. Like many foods, olive oil is best stored in a dark place: a cupboard or cellar is preferable to a sunny room. However, heat is the true enemy of olive oil. Unlike lower temperatures, it degrades the oil’s flavours. Again, a dark cellar which stays cool all year round is perfect. If the oil has crystallised, which happens below about 13°C, simply return it to room temperature (not next to a heat source!) to restore its fluidity. Finally, beware of rooms where pungent foods or other strong-smelling items are stored, as olive oil tends to absorb smells.
FAQs
Light, like heat, is a factor that will diminish the shelf life of olive oil, says Stillson. Thus, it's best to keep the oil in a dark place, such as the back of your cupboard or pantry. It's also critical to minimize exposure to any kind of light, which includes fluorescent lights as well as sunlight.
What is the best way to store olive oil long term? ›
Keep the oil in a dark place, away from the stove and other heat producers. Put the remaining oil in the refrigerator, but remember that refrigerated olive oil will solidify and turn cloudy at cold temperatures.
How do you store olive oil after opening? ›
Store extra virgin olive oil away from light, air and heat. These elements accelerate the process of oxidation which leads to rancidity. As oxidation occurs naturally over time, it is best to use the oil up once it is open within the first 6 months.
What is the best container to store olive oil in? ›
What are the Best Containers for Olive Oil Storage? The best containers for olive oil storage are glass (especially tinted glass), ceramic, porcelain, or non-reactive metals such as stainless steel. Do not store olive oil in containers made of reactive metals such as copper or iron.
Are you supposed to refrigerate olive oil? ›
Olive oil is a delicate ingredient, and storing it in the refrigerator can cause it to become cloudy, solidify, and lose its flavor and aroma. If you're looking to preserve the quality and freshness, store it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cabinet away from light, heat, and air.
Should olive oil be stored in glass or ceramic? ›
Store Olive Oil in the Right Containers
A ceramic cruet is especially good for storing olive oil because it not only blocks out light and air, but the thick ceramic walls help block out heat too.
Can you freeze olive oil? ›
The answer is yes, it is physically possible to freeze olive oil. In fact, olive oil begins to solidify around 54 degrees Fahrenheit, and it begins to completely freeze around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Most refrigerators in the United States are kept around 40 degrees or a little below, and freezers are set to 0 degrees.
How do chefs store olive oil? ›
How do I store olive oil?
- You need to keep your olive oil away from three main things: light, heat and oxygen. ...
- The best way to store olive oil is in a dark and cool place. ...
- As mentioned above, UVA and UVB rays in sunlight cause the olive oil to break down and turn rancid.
One of the most obvious signs that olive oil has gone bad is if it has a rancid smell. If the oil has a strong, pungent aroma that is unpleasant, it is likely that it has gone bad. Another sign is if the oil has a strange taste. If it tastes off or has a sour or bitter flavor, it is probably no longer good to use.
What makes olive oil go bad? ›
Indeed, olive oil (or any oil for that matter) is not immortal. It's an agricultural product, after all, the “juice” from the fruit of olive trees. Over time, light, heat, and oxygen break down the oil, causing it to go rancid. That impacts both taste and nutrition—the two primary reasons to pay up for good olive oil.
Many olive oil brands choose to package their products with materials that limit light exposure—like opaque metal, dark plastic, and tinted glass—to delay the rate of oxidation. However, studies indicate that plastic bottles made with polyethylene are still less effective at protecting olive oil from oxidation.
Is it better to store olive oil in tin or glass? ›
The difference between olive oil in dark glass bottles and tin cans is largely based on the type of glass used to store it. Generally, darker glass bottles are best. Unlike cans, however, dark glass is not impermeable to light. Some manufacturers choose to use different colored glasses to protect their oils from light.
Should olive oil be stored in a clear or dark bottle? ›
Minimize or eliminate light exposure at all times – it causes olive oil to degrade. Avoid storing your oil by a window and avoid storing it in clear glass. We chose our dark green bottle for a reason, the color helps filter out the damaging ultraviolet rays.
Where should you not store your olive oil? ›
As we've noted, keep your oil away from any heat source.
It can get damaged if exposed to heat from a nearby stove or oven, or even warm sunlight. At home, we keep our oil in a cool, dark closet downstairs.
How long is olive oil good for once opened? ›
Once you have opened a bottle of olive oil, use it quickly -- within 3 months. It will last longer if you store it in a cool, dark cupboard with a tightly sealed cap. For tips on how to properly store olive oil, check out our Olive Oil Storage Tips post.
How do you keep olive oil from going rancid? ›
Light. Light, like heat, is a factor that will diminish the shelf life of olive oil, says Stillson. Thus, it's best to keep the oil in a dark place, such as the back of your cupboard or pantry. It's also critical to minimize exposure to any kind of light, which includes fluorescent lights as well as sunlight.
Can olive oil last 20 years? ›
How Long Does Olive Oil Last? Depending on what kind of oil you have and how you store it, olive oil can last anywhere between 12 and 24 months in an unopened bottle. Most extra virgin olive oil lasts between 18 and 24 months because of the higher acid content.
How long will olive oil stay good in a sealed bottle? ›
Because of olive oil's antioxidants and high percentage of monounsatured fat, it keeps better than many vegetable or seed/nut oils. If stored correctly, it can last 1½ to 2 years unopened.
How to prevent oil from going rancid? ›
Keep your oil off the countertop and in a dark, dry location at room temperature. This will reduce the amount of light, heat, and air that increase the rate of rancidity described above1,2. It will also preserve the taste and smell. Additionally, purchase your oil packaged in dark or tinted containers.
