Shelf Life Tips
- How long does an unopened bottle of olive oil last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions -to maximize shelf life, store in a cool, dark area.
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How long does an unopened bottle of olive oil last at room temperature? Properly stored, an unopened bottle of olive oil will generally stay at best quality for about 2 years.
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Should you refrigerate olive oil? Refrigeration is recommended in very hot, humid conditions.
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Is unopened olive oil safe to use after the expiration date on the bottle? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the bottle is undamaged - commercially bottled olive oil will typically carry a “Best By," "Best if Used By," Best Before, or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the olive oil will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the olive oil's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the bottle is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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How can you tell if olive oil is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the olive oil: if the oil develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
