Olive oil is now more liquid gold than ever. Not only with its features and appearance. Also because of its exorbitant price. So if we buy a bottle or a carafe, the last thing we want is to throw it away because it spoils. And that’s something you won’t stop thinking about until you see some numbers on the top of a bottle while organizing your closet. Then you ask yourself the question you’ve been ignoring: does it have olive oil that will expire?
To answer this question, we need to do something we already did with the water case: to distinguish between expiration and priority consumption. In fact, the date on oil bottles is best before. In fact, it is usually accompanied by a message that it is recommended to consume it by a certain date in order to guarantee its properties in the best possible condition.
This basically means that if we exceed this date, we can continue to subscribe, but its taste, smell, and other properties will not be the same. Therefore, to the question of whether olive oil expires, we could say no. But that doesn’t mean we should hold onto it forever.
Difference between expiration and preferential consumption
As a small reminder, the use-by date is the date by which we can safely consume the food. safe and with its best features. If we overdo it, we risk getting sick, so it should not be done under any circumstances. It is true that the manufacturers, in order not to catch their fingers, state a conservative date, but it will always be better if we do not risk it.
On the other hand, the minimum shelf life date is rather indicative. After this time, we can safely use the product, but it is true that its properties are visibly changed.
Does olive oil have an expiration date?
As we have already seen, the case of olive oil is the latter. The date is the best-before date and is calculated based on, among other things, some studies that have analyzed how long it takes for the properties of liquid gold to remain more or less intact.
One of these studies was performed in 2018 by a team of scientists from the University of Pisa, in Italy. Analyzes the optimal storage conditions of olive oil; in addition, it calculates how long it can remain stored from the moment of packaging without loss of Properties.
Although it may vary slightly above or below, generally the shelf life of olive oil after bottling and sealing is between 18 and 24 months. When extra virgin olive oilas the industry subjects it to less processing, this time drops to 12-18 months. Some oil brands, in order to further guarantee the best properties of the product, shorten this time again and recommend not to exceed the limits. 9 months.
What happens if we consume after this date?
We have already answered no to the question of whether olive oil expires. However, we have also verified that there is a date that we should not exceed.
This is because the oil gradually loses its optimal aroma and taste and can go rancid. This is due to a series of biochemical reactions that occur in fats. It can also be changed using oxidation which is listed in the presence of oxygen.
Both processes can be accelerated exposure to light and heat. For this reason, it is common for containers to be dark in color to prevent too much light from entering. In addition, it must be stored in a fresh and dry place, like a closed closet. If it’s too cold, the contents of the bottle may solidify a little, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, it’s better than the taste it would get if it went rancid.
On the other hand, If the container is plastic and we store it for a long time, it can happen like with water. Although it is a safe type of plastic, particles would be released over time, which, if not accumulated, may not be dangerous, but affect the taste.
Therefore, replacing it with a glass bottle would be recommended, but even this is a problem in the long run, as handling can accelerate the deterioration of its properties.
Do microorganisms not grow?
A good part of it all as explained by Hypertext food technologist Miguel Angel Lurueña, consists in the fact that there is no expiration due to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. It would be something negligible because they need water to grow and oil is 100% fat.
What can we do to preserve it?
If we are a family of six, a 6-liter bottle of oil may cost us more. On the other hand, if we live alone or with another person, it is best to buy small jugs or bottles, to guarantee their consumption in a short time. If consumption is going to be fast, you can (and should) switch to a glass bottle. However, we must keep in mind that any manipulation will speed up the process.
We have already seen that the best-before date is indicative. We can continue to consume olive oil later. But there comes a time when we notice that it should no longer be used because the smell and taste of the rancid oil are easily recognizable. The taste is usually very bitter and sour and the smell is very unpleasant. So many There are those who compare it to the smell of glue or colored pencils.. We may like the latter when opening a new suitcase, but we don’t feel like dressing salads with it.
If we notice that smell or taste, with all the pain in our hearts and in our pockets, it’s time to dispose of the oil. To prevent this from happening to you, store it well and don’t buy too much.