Keeping Olive Oil and Other Oils Fresher Longer
Moving them off the kitchen counter is only the first step. Here's how to prolong the life of the oils in your kitchen.
Shelf Life
Unopened: 1 year Open: 3 months
Do check the harvest date printed on the label of high-end oils to ensure the freshest bottle possible. (Some labels cite an expiration date, which producers typically calculate as 18 months from harvesting. We think unopened olive oil can go rancid 1 year after the harvest date.)
Do move olive oil from the countertop or windowsill to a dark pantry or cupboard. Strong sunlight will oxidize the chlorophyll in the oil, producing stale, harsh flavors.
Don't buy olive oil in bulk. Once opened, it has a very short shelf life.
Checking for Freshness
Heat a little olive oil in a skillet. If it smells rancid, throw out the bottle. (This test works for all vegetable oils.)
Other Oils
Here's a quick guide to storing open bottles of oil in your kitchen. For optimal flavor, replace these oils 6 months after opening.
Store in Pantry
- Canola
- Corn
- Peanut
- Vegetable
Store in Fridge
- Sesame
- Walnut
Checking the harvest date on labels will ensure the freshest olive oil.
Keeping your olive oil out of the light and heat will extend the shelf life.
Certain oils should be stored in the pantry.
Other oils retain optimal flavor when stored in a refrigerator.
