When you think about it, olive oil is basically fresh-squeezed juice. 

That means it's perishable and unlike wine, it doesn't get better with age. The fresher it is, the better it tastes, and the better it is for you! Consuming it regularly not only makes for a healthy diet but also ensures that you're getting the most out of your bottle of oil. 

How long does olive oil last?

High quality extra virgin olive oil is best consumed within a year of harvest. Opened or unopened, that's our rule of thumb. 

Greener olive oils, like our Robust EVOO, will keep better than ripe ones because of the higher amount of polyphenols present in the oil. You can tell if an olive oil has more polyphenols present by the grassy, more peppery notes found in the flavor. A fruitier oil, like our Delicate EVOO, that uses riper, darker olives should be consumed quicker, in about 6-8 months. 

Look for harvest/bottle date to ensure freshness

This is huge. We do not recommend using olive oil without one or both of these clearly stated on the label. If you're lucky enough to buy from a small, local producer, do that! If not, make sure you're purchasing a bottle from the latest harvest. 

How to Store olive oil correctly 

The four main things that affect the quality of your olive oil are time, heat, light, oxygen.

Like we mentioned above, a good olive oil should be consumed within a year of harvest. Don't save your olive oil for a special occasion, enjoy it immediately - it will taste better!

Ideal storing temperature is 60-72°F. Warmer storing temperatures can lead to a bad tasting olive oil.

Olive oil should be stored in a dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight. Extended light exposure can reduce the amount of antioxidants in your olive oil which reduces the overall health benefits you could be receiving. 

Keep your bottle of olive oil completely sealed when you're not using it. Oxidation occurs when the oil is exposed to too much oxygen. Exposure to oxygen causes a significant loss in its sensory properties. Make sure your oil is completely sealed when youre' not using it to ensure freshness. 

Storing do's and dont's

• Do store olive oil in a cupboard or pantry
• Don't store it in the fridge 
• Do keep it completely sealed when not in use
• Don't keep olive oil close to heat or in direct sunlight 
• Do use it within a year of the harvest date
  
  

Want to learn more? Here's everything you need to know about storing olive oil.

How do you know if olive oil has gone bad?

If an olive oil has gone bad, it's rancid. Rancid is fat gone bad, and it's okay, it happens. What does rancid olive oil smell like? Crayons, old nuts or putty. Many olive oil brands are rancid, moldy or spoiled, sometimes before the bottle is ever opened. 

Is rancid olive oil bad for you? Well, you won't get sick from eating rancid oil like you would from eating rotten meat, it's just not pleasant and may ruin your dish. Rancid oil does not contain the healthy properties a good olive oil would, like the numerous antioxidants and vitamins.

Do you have any questions about storing your olive oil? Let us know in the comments below!