Yes, extra virgin olive oil does expire. While it might not "go bad" in the sense of becoming unsafe to eat, it will degrade in quality over time.
Here's a breakdown:
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Shelf Life: Extra virgin olive oil typically lasts for 12-18 months after it's bottled. This is shorter than some other olive oils.
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What Happens When It Expires? The oil loses its flavor and aroma, and its health benefits (like antioxidants) diminish. It can also become rancid, which has an unpleasant smell and taste.
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Factors Affecting Shelf Life:
- Storage: Light, heat, and oxygen are the enemies of olive oil. Store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
- Quality at Purchase: The higher the quality of the olive oil to begin with, the longer it will maintain its flavor. Look for harvest dates on the bottle.
- Bottling Date vs. Harvest Date: Some bottles display a "bottling date" while others show a "harvest date." The harvest date is a better indicator of freshness, as it tells you when the olives were actually pressed.
- Type of Container: Dark glass or opaque containers are better than clear ones, as they protect the oil from light.
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How to Tell If Your Olive Oil Has Expired:
- Smell: Rancid olive oil will have a musty, metallic, or crayon-like odor.
- Taste: It will taste flat or bitter, lacking the fruity or peppery notes of fresh olive oil.
In summary, while extra virgin olive oil won't necessarily make you sick after its expiration date, it will lose its desirable qualities. For the best flavor and health benefits, use it within 12-18 months of purchase and store it properly.
