He olive oil It’s more liquid gold now than ever. Not only because of its properties and appearance. Including because of its exorbitant price. So if we buy a bottle or decanter, the last thing we want to do is throw it away because it goes bad. And you won’t stop thinking about this until, while arranging your cabinet, you see the numbers on the top of the bottle. Then you ask yourself a question you’ve previously ignored: is olive oil really expires?
To answer this question, we must do what we have already done in the case of water: distinguish shelf life and preferential consumption. In fact, the earlier date on oil bottles is better. In fact, it usually comes with a message stating that it is recommended to consume it before a certain date to ensure its properties are in the best possible condition.
Essentially, this means that if we exceed this date, we can continue to accept it, but its taste, aroma and other properties they won’t be the same. So when asked if olive oil expires, we could say no. But this does not mean that we should store it indefinitely.
Difference between expiration date and preferential consumption
A quick reminder: the expiration date is the period until which we can safely consume food. safe and with the best properties. If you overdo it, you risk getting sick, so you should never do this. Yes, manufacturers indicate a conservative date to avoid being caught, but it will always be better if we do not take risks.
On the other hand, the expiration date is very indicative. After this time we can continue to take the product safely, but it is true that its properties can be seen. changed.
Does olive oil have an expiration date?
As we have already seen, the case of olive oil is the second. This date is the expiration date and is calculated, among other data, from some studies that have analyzed how long it takes for the properties of liquid gold to remain more or less intact.
One such study was conducted in 2018 by a group of scientists from University of Pisa, in Italy. Optimal storage conditions for olive oil are analyzed; but, in addition, it is calculated how long it can be stored from the moment of packaging without losing its properties. characteristics.
Although it may vary slightly up or down, in general the shelf life of olive oil, bottled and sealed, varies from 18 to 24 months. When extra virgin olive oilas industry processes it less, this time drops to 12-18 months. Some brands of oils, in order to further guarantee the best properties of the product, reduce this time again and recommend not exceeding the limits. 9 months.
What happens if we consume after this date?
To the question of whether olive oil expires, we have already answered: no. However, we have also confirmed that there is a date that we should not exceed.
This happens because the oil gradually loses its optimal aroma and taste and may go rancid. This is due to a number of biochemical reactions occurring in fats. It can also be changed with oxidationwhat’s happening in presence of oxygen.
Both processes can be accelerated exposure to light and heat. For this reason, containers are usually dark in color, which prevents too much light from entering. In addition, it must be stored in fresh and dry placelike a closed closet. If it’s too cold, the contents of the bottle may harden a little, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, it’s better than the taste it would get if it were rancid.
On the other side, If the container is plastic and store it for a long time, it can happen like with water. Although this is a safe type of plastic, over time it will release particles which, if not accumulated, may not be harmful, but they will affect the taste.
This is why it would be recommended to change it to a glass bottle, but this is also a problem in the long term, since manipulation can accelerate the deterioration of its properties.
Don’t microorganisms grow?
The good part of it all is as explained Hypertext food industry technologist Miguel Angel Luruenha, is that there is no expiration due to the growth of pathogens. This would be something insignificant, since they need water to grow, and oil 100% fat.
What can we do to save it?
If we are a family of six, a 6 liter bottle of oil may cost us more. On the other hand, if we live alone or with another person, it is best to buy small jugs or bottless to ensure its consumption in a short time. If consumption is rapid, you can (and should) switch to a glass bottle. However, we must keep in mind that any manipulation will speed up the process.
We have already seen that the expiration date is approximate. We can continue using olive oil later. But there will come a time when we notice that it should no longer be taken, since the smell and taste of rancid oil are easily recognizable. The taste usually becomes very bitter and sour and the smell is very unpleasant. So much so that there are those who compare it to the smell of glue or crayons. We may like the latter when we open a new building, but we don’t want to dress our salads with it.
If we smell or taste that smell or taste with all the pain in our hearts and pockets, then it’s time to throw away the oil. To prevent this from happening to you, take care of yourself and don’t buy too much.
Source: Hiper Textual
