Does Olive Oil Go Bad? How To Tell If It’s Still Fresh

Yes, olive oil can expire.

Here’s what to know.

Extra-virgin olive oil is freshly squeezed fruit juice.

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When Does Olive Oil Expire?

But if you aren’t as heavy-handed as I am, buy it in smaller bottles.

Olive oil is not like wine; it will not improve with age.

But once you open that bottle, it’s best to use it within a month or two.

Oxidation, or exposure to air, causes the quality of oil to deteriorate and eventually turn rancid.

Look for containers made of tin, stainless steel, or dark glass to reduce exposure to light.

Also, store bottles in the pantry, not on your countertop.

Definitely don’t leave your olive oil sitting next to the stove.

Oil that is stored in a dark, cool spot will last the longest.

Taste a teaspoon of the oil.

And there won’t be a peppery kick in the back of your throatwhich is a good thing.

Use it for soap-making or to make candles.

It can lubricate squeaky doors or a stuck zipper.

It can also remove paint from your hands and gum from hair.

Refrigerating olive oil isnt recommended for storage since it can lead to condensation that causes an off flavor.

However, it will work if there is no other cool place to store the oil.

Yes, olive oil can be frozen.

As with refrigeration, its not the ideal storage spot, and a cool, dark pantry is best.

If you have more olive oil than you will use before it goes bad, freezing is an option.

Sanmartin C, Venturi F, Sgherri C, et al.

The effects of packaging and storage temperature on the shelf-life of extra virgin olive oil.

Journal of food science and technology.

California Olive Ranch.How to Taste.