Olive oil is an exceptionally versatile product, especially the extra virgin variety. You can use it for baking, frying, marinating, and much more. Today, olive oil is a staple in kitchens across the Netherlands. But a common question is: how long can you store olive oil, and what is its shelf life? Gkazas Olive Oil is organic extra virgin olive oil, the best among all types of olive oil. In this article, we focus on this premium variety.
Storing Olive Oil in a Nutshell
If you want the essentials without reading the full guide, follow these tips for proper storage of olive oil:
- Buy high-quality olive oil. This extra virgin olive oil contains more antioxidants and oxidizes more slowly.
- Store olive oil in a cool, dark location. Avoid windowsills or near the stove. Ideal temperature is around 15°C.
- Keep your olive oil bottle or olive oil can sealed as much as possible. Every opening lets oxygen in, which accelerates oxidation. Tip: when purchasing a 5-liter olive oil can, pour the oil into smaller containers such as 750ML bottles or used wine bottles. Use one bottle at a time and keep the rest sealed.
- Purchase olive oil in dark bottles or certified cans to protect it from light.
- Taste and smell the olive oil regularly. If it still smells and tastes fresh, it is good quality.
Olive Oil Shelf Life: What Not to Do
Can olive oil go bad? Yes! Proper storage is key to maintaining quality. The main factors affecting olive oil shelf life and causing oxidation are:
- Light breaks down antioxidants and healthy compounds faster.
- Air can cause condensation inside the bottle or can, increasing oxidation.
- Temperature that is too hot, too cold, or fluctuating reduces shelf life.
Storing Olive Oil in the Fridge?
The sun’s light and heat are the main threats to olive oil quality. Never store your olive oil in the windowsill. Likewise, avoid storing your olive oil bottle or olive oil can in the fridge. Condensation can dilute the oil and cause it to turn rancid. Proper storage is essential!
How to Store Olive Oil Properly
The best place is a dark cupboard at room temperature. An olive oil can is preferable to a bottle because it blocks light completely.
Olive oil with fewer antioxidants oxidizes faster. That’s why it is crucial to buy superior quality olive oil for optimal shelf life. Every batch we fill is tested organoleptically by the best panels worldwide. Learn more about what makes the best olive oil.
Keep your olive oil bottle or can open as little as possible. Each opening increases humidity, accelerating oxidation. Tip: pour a 5-liter olive oil can into smaller bottles, such as 750ML bottles or used wine bottles. Use one bottle at a time and keep the rest sealed.
This method is especially useful if you don’t consume olive oil quickly. Properly stored in a dark, cool place, the oil is unlikely to oxidize within six months.
Can Olive Oil Go Bad?
Yes, olive oil can spoil. Test your Greek olive oil by tasting it straight from a spoon. If it smells or tastes very strong, musty, rancid, or sour, it is no longer good. You can still use it for other purposes, such as polishing furniture or lubricating a bike lock. Most olive oil lovers consume it quickly, so spoilage is rarely an issue.
Unopened Olive Oil Shelf Life
Exact shelf life is difficult to determine. Stories exist of olive oil jars from Knossos over 2000 years old that were still edible. One fact is clear: unopened extra virgin olive oil can last many years if stored in the dark at stable room temperature. The very low free fatty acid content in our organic olive oil ensures the taste only slightly changes over time, becoming more nutty or vinegary. Many Greeks keep multiple vintages to select based on the dish they are preparing.
Quick Summary: Tips for Perfect Olive Oil
- Buy organic extra virgin olive oil of high quality.
- Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat.
- Keep the olive oil bottle or olive oil can sealed as much as possible.
- Use dark bottles or certified cans to protect from light.
- Regularly taste and smell the olive oil to ensure freshness.
Following these tips will help your olive oil stay fresh, flavorful, and healthy for longer.
