How to prevent olive oil from going rancid

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils and it has become a staple in the kitchen. If you bought a huge carafe and you don’t usually use it in large quantities, it is likely that in a few months you will notice that it has spoiled.

The proper storage and use of olive oil is very important to maintain its qualities and take advantage of its benefits. You should keep in mind that it is a perishable product.

How long is the shelf life of olive oil?

The organization Olive Oils from Spain notes that it is convenient to consume it approximately 18 months from the date of packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once you have opened the bottle of oil, the oxidation process will resume. The oil will begin to degrade and should ideally be used within a month or two.

How to know that the oil has deteriorated?

Fresh olive oil has a range of flavor from delicate to intense, fruity, herbaceous, floral, buttery, with a slightly bitter and spicy aftertaste. It has a pleasant aroma and bright freshness.

Rancid olive oil has lost its aroma and flavor qualities. “It has a very noticeable smell and taste that can be similar to old or stale peanuts,” he tells Mind Body GreenJim Savage, an extra virgin olive oil producer in California.

Tips to store it correctly

-Buy olive oil in small quantities that you will use in a short period of time.

-If you are going to fill an oil can, you must clean it very well to remove traces of old oils that can add rancid notes and deteriorate the flavor.

-Use a mixture of water with baking soda avoiding scented detergents.

You should store it in a cool, dry and dark place to minimize exposure to heat and light.. The appropriate temperature is 20º C.

Since direct light considerably affects olive oil. Keep it in a dark glass bottle or opaque material such as stainless metal.

Avoid sudden temperature changes. Don’t keep it near the oven, stove, or in cabinets that get heat.

Close the bottle of oil tightly to prevent odors from being absorbed and contact with air from accelerating its decomposition.

It is not necessary to put the olive oil in the fridge to keep it longer. If the oil has thickened or solidified due to excessive cold, the quality of the product is not affected. Simply placing it at room temperature will return it to its normal state.

What to do with rancid oil?

If it’s past its expiration date but still smells and tastes good, you can use it. Rancid oil can mask some flavors and its benefits will be gone.

If you want to give olive oil that has gone rancid another use, you can use it to polish and condition both wooden furniture and leather shoes. You can also use it to make homemade body scrubs with salt or sugar.

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