How long can the oil stay in the can?
The Shelf Life of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Cans: Everything You Need to Know
Extra virgin olive oil (EVO) is a high quality product, appreciated for its organoleptic and health-promoting properties. Precisely to guarantee the quality and duration of the product, keeping these distinctive characteristics unchanged, we have already covered in a previous article " How to preserve olive oil "
The most common container in which our precious condiment is stored are the classic table bottles, not surprisingly dark in color, which serves to protect it from light. For reasons of practicality and saving on the price of the oil , many people prefer to buy it packaged in cans.
In this article we will explore the factors that influence the life of oil in a can , how to store it correctly and how to recognize when it has exceeded its optimal period of use.
Factors That Influence the Shelf Life of EVO Oil
In this paragraph we will discuss the main factors that influence the shelf life of the oil right from its bottling. In these cases the duration of the product will therefore depend on the manufacturer; consequently we can maintain that to guarantee a product that maintains its qualities unchanged over time, it starts from the consumer's choice at the time of purchasing the extra virgin olive oil .
- Quality of the Oil at the Time of Bottling: The freshness and quality of the olives used to produce the EVO oil play a crucial role in its shelf life. A high-quality oil, produced from fresh, well-processed olives, will last longer than a lower-quality one.
- Bottling Conditions: The bottling process must be carried out in optimal conditions to avoid contamination. The use of sterilized cans and filling under a controlled atmosphere can significantly extend the life of the oil.
- The Type of Can used: Oil cans offer excellent protection against light and oxygen, two of the main enemies of EVO oil. The high-quality cans also feature an airtight seal, ideal for storing the oil for longer.
Duration of EVO Oil in Cans
Generally, EVOO can last 18 to 24 months when stored in sealed cans, but several factors can affect this estimate:
- Storage Temperature: The oil should always be stored in a cool, dark place, with an ideal temperature between 15°C and 18°C. Higher temperatures accelerate the oxidation process, reducing the life of the oil.
- Exposure to Light: Even though the cans protect the oil from light, it is still important to store them away from direct light sources.
- Contact with Air: Once opened, the can allows air to enter, which can oxidize the oil. If you want to guarantee its maximum freshness, the oil can remain in the can for a period of approximately 3-6 months maximum.
The Signs that the Oil has Expired ⚠️
When not well preserved, EVO oil can deteriorate and lose its organoleptic and nutritional qualities. Furthermore, expired oil becomes rancid and therefore cannot be used.
Here are some signs that the oil has expired:
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Odor and Taste: Expired oil will have an unpleasant odor and a bitter or metallic taste.
- Color: While the color of the oil is not always a reliable indicator, a significant change can suggest oxidation.
- Appearance: The presence of sediment or a cloudy appearance may indicate that the oil has expired.
Angimbe's advice for preserving oil in cans
- Keep the Can Sealed: Although it may be tempting to do a little tasting right away, until you are ready to use the oil regularly it is best to keep the can sealed, to prevent air from entering.
- Use Smaller Containers: After opening, transfer the oil to smaller, but still dark, containers to minimize exposure to air.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct light and heat, which can accelerate the degradation of the oil.
How long can the oil stay in the can? Conclusions
If stored correctly, extra virgin olive oil packaged in cans can last from 18 to 24 months until the can is closed, and should be consumed in a period that can range from 3 to 6 months at most once the can it has been opened. Factors such as the initial quality of the oil, bottling conditions and storage practices play a crucial role in the shelf life of the product. By making conscious choices from the moment of purchase and following the simple conservation guidelines we have listed, it is possible to keep EVO oil fresh and tasty for longer, while ensuring maximum benefits for your health and palate!
If, in addition to learning how much oil can fit in the can, you also want to discover how to taste olive oil in its full flavour, and with all its organoleptic properties intact, you can read our article on how to taste extra virgin olive oil .
