How Long Do Infused Olive Oils Last?

Infused olive oils have a different shelf life than typical olive oils. The reason is that the herbs and spices speed up the oxidation, shortening the shelf life of infused olive oil.

In this post, I’ll show you how long infused olive oils last, which ones last the longest, and some key steps you can take to ensure they last as long as possible.

The Shelf Life of Store-Bought Infused Olive Oils

Adding your favorite spices and herbs to olive oil makes it more appealing to your taste buds. It also gives it additional nutritional value due to the ingredients used, such as garlic, onion, and herbs.

However, infused olive oil gets spoilt faster because some herbs and spices used to make it have a short shelf life.

This makes people who infuse olive oil or buy it from the store wonder which type of olive oil last longer.

The shelf life of store-bought infused olive oil is up to a year when unopened and 3-6 months when opened. Ideally, you should spend it within a month or two.

These store-bought oils last long because they are prepared and packed in airtight containers in hygienic conditions.

The Shelf Life of Homemade Infused Olive Oils

You should consume a bottle of homemade infused olive oil within 4-5 weeks regardless of where you store it.

Some people prefer to prepare their infused olive oil at home. While this allows them to experiment with different olive oil infusions, it shortens the shelf life of these oils.

A significant factor that contributes to this is the conditions under which the oil is infused.

For example, if the oil is exposed to contaminants during infusion, it grows bacteria or molds fast. If the oil is stored in containers that expose it to air, moisture, or light, it gets rancid very quickly.

Here’s a quick guide on how to make infused olive oil at home.

Although some cooking experts suggest you can keep an opened bottle of infused olive oil for up to 6 months, it’s best to use it up in a short while. This is because opening the bottle during cooking gradually exposes it to air and moisture, causing it to lose its freshness.

Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Infused Olive Oil

Sometimes infused olive oil gets rancid faster than you would expect. Here are several reasons why it happens.

1. The Type of Infusion

Heat-infused olive oils have a bit shorter life than cold-infused olive oils. That’s because, through the process of heating the herbs and spices, you’re also heating the olive oil, which reduces its shelf-life a little bit.

So, if your goal is to make an infused olive oil that will last as long as possible, you should go for a cold-infusing method.

2. The Herbs and Spices Used in the Infusion

Most ingredients used to infuse olive oil, such as garlic, citrus, and fresh herbs, can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold.

This is why olive oils infused with wet ingredients can only stay fresh for a short time as compared to those made with dry herbs.

With that said, always go for infused olive oils made with dry herbs and spices if you want the oil to last longer.

3. The Quality of Olive Oil

The perfect oil to use when making herbal or spice infusions is cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants that add to the nutritional value of infused olive oil.

EVOO also has a distinct flavor that compliments most of the wet and dry ingredients used in oil infusions. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties also make it the perfect oil for herbal and spice infusions because it prevents bacterial contamination (to some degree).

Some of the high-quality extra virgin olive oils to use in olive oil are Greek olive oils, Croatian olive oils, and Spanish olive oils. Of course, don’t be limited by it. Any high-quality EVOO is great for infusing.

4. The Storage Method

Infused olive oil can expire faster than regular olive oil. This is why some people store it in the refrigerator. However, if the fridge is too cold, it can degrade the structure of the olive oil, spoiling its taste and aroma.

This can also happen if you store the oil close to a source of heat, such as a stove, where you’ll notice the oil developing a cloudy appearance.

The best place to store infused olive oil is in a cool, dry place, such as a kitchen cupboard, for no longer than a month. If you want to use it for 30+ days, consider keeping it in the refrigerator, but the temperatures shouldn’t go below 5 degrees Celsius.

You should also keep the oil in proper containers for storing olive oil. These are dark glass bottles, ceramic bottles, or inox bottles and jars.

The darkness of these bottles preserves the antioxidants in the oil, ensuring it retains its beautiful color, authentic taste, and nutritional value.

Tips For Preserving Infused Olive Oils

Adding herbs and spices to olive oil can lower its shelf life. However, there are ways to make your infused olive oil stay fresh longer.

How To Know If Infused Olive Oil Has Gone Bad?

You may do all these things (above) but doubt the freshness of your olive oil. This is because the added aroma and flavor from the ingredients used to infuse it can cover any signs of rancidity.

So, for most people out there, the easiest way to spot if infused olive oil has gone bad is by its color. Rancid oil has a cloudy appearance. It may also lose its vibrant greenish-yellow color and release a musty, off-putting smell. If you spot these signs, it’s time to buy or make a fresh bottle of infused olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions