One particularity of extra virgin olive oil is that it is a non-perishable food, which means that it does not decompose or become harmful over time.
This means that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) does not have an expiration date, although it is important to consider its best-before date, as this provides a useful indicator of its freshness and quality.
What does the best-before date mean?
The best-before date of EVOO is established by the company that packages it, with the purpose of orienting us as to the time during which the olive oil is expected to maintain its taste and aromatic qualities at its optimum point.
This indicator marks its freshness and quality, ensuring that we can fully enjoy the virtues of EVOO during that specific period.
Although extra virgin olive oil can be consumed after its best-before date without any health risk, it is necessary to consider that over time it may lose its properties.
When to consume EVOO: the perfect moment
As previously explained, extra virgin olive oil does not have a strict expiration date; however, its excellence may diminish as time goes by.
Hence the need to establish the best-before date, which normally ranges from one to two years from the time of bottling.
Once the best-before date has passed, EVOO is still fit for consumption, but it is suggested that it be used in cooking and frying instead of raw uses.
To prolong the shelf life of extra virgin olive oil, it is crucial to store it properly. Here are some guidelines for proper storage.
How to recognize if EVOO is not in perfect condition
The simplest way to evaluate the excellence of an olive oil is through its taste. If when tasting it we notice an unpleasant and rancid taste, it is a clear sign that the oil has exceeded its optimum period of usefulness.
The chromatic hue can also reveal possible deterioration in the oil. It is essential to be alert to any variation in the original aroma, comparing it with the smell that the EVOO had when it was purchased and the aroma present at the present time.
If we identify any of these signs in the olive oil, it is advisable to refrain from using it in culinary preparations. The detection of these signs suggests that the oil no longer retains its proper conditions.
Prioritizing the freshness and quality of extra virgin olive oil is essential to ensure an outstanding and healthy culinary experience.
