As you already know, all food reaches a moment at which it loses its qualities. In order to know how long olive oil is good for, you need to take various factors into consideration: whether the oil has been filtered; whether it has been refined; and the amount of polyphenols —antioxidants— it contains.

The amount of polyphenols can be detected in the color and flavor of the oil. Polyphenols are responsible for giving the oil a bitter and spicy taste. In simple appearance terms, the more polyphenols it has, the greener the olive oil is, which means it will last a long time.

A virgin olive oil with a high polyphenol content can last from 18 months to 3 years. A filtered olive oil, or one with a low polyphenol content, lasts for between 1 and 2 years. A fresh and unfiltered extra virgin olive oil lasts for the shortest amount of time: from 3 to 6 months.

How to preserve quality olive oil

Liquid gold should be cared for as a very precious possession. It requires specific handling in order to preserve all of its nutrients. How long olive oil is good for also largely depends on how it is stored at home.

Exposure to direct light impairs the quality of the oil. For this reason, it is best to keep it in a small and dark, sealable container, since it can be oxidized by oxygen. In addition, the ideal temperature for its nutrients to stay intact is in the region of 20ºC (68ºF). So find a place in your kitchen, or in the house, that is normally at that temperature to store your oil.

If you would like your olive oil to stay in the best condition for as long as possible, it is essential to choose an oil such as Carapelli Oro Verde extra virgin olive oil, which contains a high quantity of polyphenols and has an unbeatable aroma.