- Some consumers of olive oil have doubts about the product’s expiration because no date is specified on the bottles.
- The conditions of the oil vary according to many factors, although there are common bases for most.
EXPIRATION OF OLIVE OIL
The expiration of olive oil is one of the most common concerns among its users. The fact that there is no signal stipulating a consumption deadline on the bottles seems to indicate that olive oil does not go bad. This is a half-truth with a simple explanation.
The short answer is that olive oil does not expire, so it is always fit for human consumption. If it has been properly stored, the consumption of olive oil is never a danger to the consumer. However, being a completely natural product, its components are constantly evolving. This means that, although olive oil does not have an expiration date, its properties do diminish over time.
Although there is no expiration date on olive oil containers, a best-before date is indicated. The best-before date is the estimated time that the oil will maintain most of its properties. Although this period varies depending on factors such as the type of olive or the place of storage, it is usually around nine months. Nevertheless, after this time, the oil is still completely consumable. However, as it is a fat, it is necessary to ensure that it has not gone rancid.
TIPS FOR PRESERVING OLIVE OIL
Although olive oil does not have an expiration date, we should do everything in our power to slow down or prevent the loss of its properties. Studies show that certain types of oil have a greater resistance to oxidation and that differences exist depending on the production process. For instance, unfiltered oil has a shorter shelf life than filtered oil, and the Picual variety is one of the most resilient in maintaining its properties.
The main factors affecting the preservation of olive oil are light, heat, and air. To avoid product oxidation, it is advisable to keep it away from light, preferably in opaque containers. It can also be stored in glass, but in that case, it should be kept away from light in a drawer or pantry.
It is important that the container has a quality seal to prevent air from entering. Lastly, experts recommend storing it at a medium temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius to avoid degradation. This, of course, means keeping it out of the refrigerator, even in the summer.
NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES
Olive oil is one of the healthiest fats in the world. In the case of virgin and extra virgin oils, it is the only fat obtained by simple pressing. The simplicity of its production process blends tradition with modernity, as it is a food whose benefits have been appreciated since before the birth of Christ. Olive oil benefits come largely from its richness in various essential nutrients for human development, such as oleic acid, phytosterols, and polyphenols, among others.
The main nutritional value comes from healthy fats, especially oleic acid. This component is a type of monounsaturated fat that helps reduce LDL cholesterol (harmful to health) and generates HDL cholesterol (known as “good cholesterol”). Monounsaturated fats make up the majority of olive oil’s composition, but it also contains polyunsaturated acids, such as omega-6 and omega-3. These components aid the body due to their anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties.
Although oleic acid is the main component, the previously mentioned components confer a series of benefits that have led to its frequent recommendation. In addition to its cardiovascular properties, it helps prevent aging, improves digestion, and helps prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Its benefits are so extensive that the Mediterranean diet, of which olive oil is a fundamental pillar, has recently been named the healthiest diet in the world. It has also become a symbol for mediterranean and spanish culture.
