We all know that olive oil is healthy. To prepare healthy meals, you bought a large amount of olive oil. Looking at that big packaging, you may be thinking, what if this olive oil expires before using? You may be asking yourself, can I use the expired olive oil?
The answer is, it depends on the taste and smell of the olive oil. You will not get sick by eating expired olive oil, but it can change the taste and flavor of the food you cook. Olive oil takes a long time to get rancid ( 12 to 24 months). The time starts as soon as the oil is extracted, which means a lot of time goes into transportation and packaging.
How can I use the expired olive oil?
It depends a lot on your own judgment. If you have passed that best before date, check it yourself. Pour a little amount of olive oil into a small bowl and sniff. If you feel a bad smell similar to the fruit that has started to ferment, it is a red flag. If you cook with the oil that has changed the taste, your food will not taste great.
If you have expired olive oil, don’t throw it in the bin. There are many ways to use olive oil.
There are a few other uses of the olive oil that has expired.
1. Use expired olive oil for dried feet
Apply some amount of olive oil on dried feet and ankles. It reduces the dryness and makes your foot skin soft.
2. For shiny hair
Not only on foot, if the rancid smell is bearable, you can also massage some oil on your scalp before shower. Oil helps in conditioning the hairs.
Take some oil in a small bowl. Take a small amount on your palm and apply it to your scalp by parting the hair. After applying to the whole head, start messaging with your fingers in small circular motions.
You can wash your hair after an hour, or it would be great if you can keep it for a night and wash your hair the next day.
2. Moisturise your skin
Use expired olive oil to moisturize your dry face skin. Olive oil is a natural humectant, so it helps you moisturize the skin. Apply a few drops of olive oil with your palms. Message for 5 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.
3. Use to lubricate tools and rust protection
I love to use olive oil on my iron pans. I have a few iron pans, and if they are not applied with some oil, they start rusting. So I always use old olive oil for this purpose.
Rancid olive oil can also be used to lubricate squeaking hinges and tools.
4. Pet food
You can use old olive oil in your pet food. They will not be able to smell the rancidity of the oil. It helps in growing their coat quickly.
5. Use it to soften the leather
You can also use olive oil for leather conditioning. First, apply a small amount of rancid olive oil with the help of a smooth cloth and rub gently until the oil is absorbed.
6. As furniture conditioning
Oils can make your furniture look new. After applying the oil, your furniture will look new. You can also use old olive oil for this purpose.
7. As a makeup remover
Oils work very well for removing the makeup. Add a few drops of olive oil to tissue paper, and clean your foundation or eye makeup with the rancid olive oil.
Does olive oil go bad?
Yes, olive oil can go bad if it is not stored properly. Warm temperatures, heat, and light can trigger rancidity in olive oil. The best way to store olive oil is to seal it properly and keep it in the dark pantry or cupboard. Also, try to buy smaller packaging of love oil. It may not be a cost-effective way, but it helps to keep your olive oil fresh.
Here are a few ways to keep olive oil fresh:
- Buy olive oil in smaller portions that can be consumed in 30-60days.
- Please keep it in a dark and cool area such as a dark pantry or cupboard.
- If you have bought a large bottle, pour the oil into a smaller container to avoid any.
- Always use a glass or stainless steel container to store olive oil.
How to increase the shelf life of olive oil?
- Olive oil loves cooler conditions, so keep the olive oil at lower than room temperature.
- Use dark-colored containers and bottles.
- Protect the oil from light and air. Both light and air cause rancidity.
