Many people believe that oil never spoils, but is that really the case?
You might be surprised to learn that, just like other oils, olive oil has a shelf life and can lose its flavor, texture, and effectiveness over time.
Here’s everything you need to know about olive oil and how to check if it’s still fresh!
Does Olive Oil Go Bad?
Olive oil is often praised as one of the healthiest cooking oils, but just like any other oil, it can lose its quality. Over time, its taste, texture, and aroma can degrade. To make sure your olive oil is still in top condition, here are some easy ways to spot the signs of rancidity and ensure it's good to use.
Olive oil typically has a shelf life of 18-24 months from the bottling date. While it might still be safe to consume after this period, its quality and taste can begin to decline. Always check the expiration date on the bottle for an indication of its freshness. If it’s past this date, there’s a higher chance the oil may have gone rancid.
1. Smell It
Fresh olive oil has a pleasant, fruity, or grassy scent. If it smells sour, musty, or like crayons, it’s a strong sign that it has gone bad. The rancid odor results from oxidation, which happens when the oil is exposed to light, air, or heat. A change in smell is one of the easiest ways to identify spoilage.
2. Taste It
A simple taste test can also help determine if olive oil is still good. Fresh olive oil has a mild, slightly peppery, and smooth flavor with a touch of bitterness that should feel pleasant and refreshing on the palate. If it tastes bitter, sharp, or sour, it’s likely gone bad, and you should avoid using it. This rancid flavor is often caused by oxidation, which occurs when the oil has been exposed to air, light, or heat for too long.
Improper storage, such as keeping it in a warm or brightly lit area, or simply aging the oil past its prime, can make the rancid taste more noticeable, making it less effective for cooking and potentially affecting the flavor of your dishes.
3. Sediment
Olive oil should be clear or slightly cloudy if unfiltered. If you notice an unusual cloudiness or sediment that wasn’t there when you first opened the bottle, it could be a sign of spoilage. Cloudiness might appear if the oil is stored in a cool environment, but if accompanied by an off taste or smell, it’s best to discard it.
4. Check the Color
The color of olive oil can vary depending on the type of olives used, but it generally has a golden-yellow or greenish hue. Over time, the oil may darken, especially when exposed to light, air, or heat. While color alone doesn’t necessarily indicate rancidity, a significant darkening combined with other signs should prompt a closer inspection.
5. Storage Conditions
Olive oil deteriorates faster if stored improperly. It should be kept in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources such as stovetops, and out of direct sunlight. Exposure to high temperatures or light can cause the oil to spoil even before the expiration date. Proper storage is essential to maintain its quality.
6. Packaging
Olive oil in clear bottles is more susceptible to spoilage compared to those in dark glass or opaque containers. Light exposure speeds up the oxidation process, causing the oil to degrade more quickly. If your olive oil has been in a transparent bottle for an extended period, it may already have started to spoil, even if it hasn’t reached its expiration date yet.
Real Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Best Way to Know it's REAL
Video by Dr. Eric Berg DC
