So, when you use and store your olive oil at home, keep in mind that extra virgin olive oil has four enemies:
- TIME: Once bottled, olive oil has an 18-24 month shelf life. And once you open your oil, you’ll want to use it sooner than later. We recommend using up the oil within 30 to 60 days upon opening.
- LIGHT: Exposure must be minimized or eliminated at all times. Extended exposure to light can deteriorate the quantity and quality of the antioxidants found in olive oil.
- HEAT: The optimal storage temperature for olive oil is 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to warmer temperatures may cause unpleasant flavours to develop in the olive oil.
- OXYGEN: Exposure must be minimized or eliminated during storage. Otherwise oxidation of the oil occurs, which causes off-flavours in the olive oil.
Olive oil has a shelf life of two to three years when properly stored in a pantry. It does not matter if the olive oil is opened or unopened. Always reseal yourbottles tightly after use to ensure limited exposure to oxygen.After opening a bottle of oil, use it up quickly and replace it with a fresh bottle every couple of months.
Olive oil can go bad. If the oil develops a rancid or wine-like smell, it has probably spoiled. The best way to store olive oil is in its original container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry.