How To Store Olive Oil Properly

As with most foods, it’s important to know how to store olive oil properly.

Proper storage helps you to get the most out of its flavors and to keep it tasting good for as long as you can. It’s not only good for your olive oil, it’s also good for your wallet.

Why Should Olive Oil Be A Pantry Staple?

We all know olive oil is a kitchen staple with wonderful health benefits including protection against heart disease, antioxidants, and strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s so versatile and can be used for marinades, dressings, baking, drizzling and so much more.

Olive oils can have a wide range of flavors especially when they are infused. Some of our favorites are Garlic Olive Oil, Blood Orange Olive Oil, and Madagascar Black Pepper Olive Oil. There are so many culinary delights that can be made simply by adding a splash of olive oil.

Does Olive Oil Go Bad?

Olive oil is essentially juice from an olive so, like any other juice, it can turn rancid if it’s not properly stored or if it is used past its expiration/best before date. As you might expect, rancid olive oil does not taste good and can ruin your food if it’s used.

How Can You Tell Your Olive Oil Has Gone Bad?

You’ll likely be able to tell if your olive oil is rancid by smelling it. Look out for the unpleasant smell of old peanuts or crayons. If you can’t tell by the smell, rancid olive oil will taste bitter, sour, or stale and won’t have the lovely peppery, sharp taste of fresh olive oil.

How To Store Olive Oil

Heat, sunlight, and oxygen are the enemies of olive oil. This means:

Don’t store your olive oil above the stove
Don’t pour your olive oil into a clear glass bottle

Many of the health benefits of olive oil come from its polyphenols and monounsaturated fats. These will begin to break down when they are exposed to sunlight and oxygen and release free radicals.

The best storage spot for your olive oil is in a cool, dark area. A cupboard or a pantry away from the stove that doesn’t get exposed to sunlight too often is your best bet.

How Long Does Olive Oil Last?

Many premium olive oils will have a harvest date on them. Once bottled, olive oil has a shelf life of 18 to 24 months. If unopened, the olive oil should be good for up to two years after the harvest date.

You will want to use your opened olive oil within six months. For full fresh flavors, experts agree that olive oil tastes best when used within 30-60 days of opening it.

Need recipe inspiration that will put your olive oil to use? Check out our recipe archive with everything from appetizers to desserts, healthy replacements for your favorite foods, and charcuterie board spreads.