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Additionally, discover the optimal methods to store olives and make sure you use up a full jar before it expires.
As a devoted olive fan, you may be wondering: Can you really buy too many olives? Is it possible they'll spoil before you finish the jar? Opinions online are divided on this, but according to US government guidelines, unopened canned or jarred olives are good for 12 to 18 months. Once opened or fresh, olives typically last around 2 weeks. In this guide, we’ll lay out the essential facts about olive shelf life, how to spot spoiled olives, and the best ways to keep them fresh.
Can olives go bad?
Yes, olives can indeed go bad. Unopened olives in brine or liquid can stay fresh for up to 12 to 18 months if kept in a cool, dry place. Once opened or fresh, they generally last about 2 weeks in the fridge, provided they’re stored in an airtight container. Olives that have gone bad may show signs like a sour or off smell, a bitter or strange taste, or a fuzzy or moldy coating.
Instructions
How long do olives stay fresh?
Unopened olives can stay fresh for 12 to 18 months. When you buy olives in a can or jar, and they’re sealed, they can last for up to 18 months when stored in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, however, olives should be refrigerated and used within about 2 weeks. Fresh olives from an olive bar also last around 2 weeks in the fridge.
- If you purchase olives in a jar from the refrigerated section, don’t forget to store them in the fridge once you get home.
- The “Best if Used By/Before” date is a guideline for peak flavor—it doesn't mean the olives are spoiled after this date.
How do you know if olives are bad?
Unpleasant odor If you open the olives and notice a strong, rotten smell, they’ve likely gone bad. Give them a quick sniff—if they smell off, it’s time to toss them.
Visible mold While olives won’t change color when they spoil, they can develop mold. Check for white specks or fuzz—if you see any, it's best to discard the olives.
Off taste Olives that have spoiled can develop a sour or unpleasant flavor. If you don't notice any visible signs or bad odor, but the taste is off, it's best to discard them.
How to Store Olives Properly
Keep olives in liquid in a cool, dark spot. Unopened jars or cans of olives preserved in brine or liquid stay fresh longer when stored in a cool, dark environment such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Consider storing them alongside other canned goods or unopened sauces.
Refrigerate opened olives in an airtight container. After opening a jar or can of olives (or getting them from an olive bar), they last for about 2 weeks in the fridge as long as they are kept in an airtight container. Simply secure the original lid or transfer the olives into a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- When transferring, try to keep as much of the brine or oil as possible to help preserve their freshness.
Freeze olives for up to 6 months. If you’re unable to eat all your olives in time, freezing them is an option! Place them in an airtight container in the freezer, but make sure to leave out the brine.
- Pro Tip: Freeze green olives in an ice cube tray with water for a fun addition to cocktails later!
Creative Ways to Use Up a Whole Jar of Olives
Enjoy them as a snack! One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to eat olives is simply on their own. Pitted olives make for a delicious, savory, and salty snack anytime. They also pair wonderfully with wine and cheese, or can be enjoyed solo.
- Olives come in a variety of flavors and mixes, so find your favorites! Try ones with artichokes and bell peppers or those soaked in a tangy lemon brine.
Incorporate them into pasta salad. Cold pasta salad is perfect for summer, and adding olives can bring an extra burst of flavor. Make your go-to pasta salad and mix in some whole olives or chop green olives to blend in for added texture and taste.
Top your pizza with black olives. Adding black olives to pizza is a classic way to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the other toppings. The saltiness pairs perfectly with gooey cheese or veggie toppings. Simply scatter the olives over your pizza along with the rest of your toppings before baking.
Spice up marinara with olive brine. Want to give your red sauce a unique twist? Olive brine can elevate the flavor with a salty zing! Add a tablespoon or two of brine to your marinara to give it an exciting kick and enhance its overall taste.
Prepare a refreshing Greek salad. A cold Greek salad is the ultimate dish for a warm summer day. To make this light and flavorful side, combine cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and dress with red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil.
Enhance your sandwich with olives. Add a burst of flavor to your sandwich by topping it with your favorite olives! Simply build your sandwich as you normally would, and then add olives for a salty, savory punch.
- Pro Tip: If your olives aren’t pre-sliced, slice them yourself so they fit perfectly on your sandwich.
How to Select the Best Olives
Canned and jarred olives When choosing olives in a can or jar, check for packaging that is intact. Dented or damaged containers can indicate a higher risk of bacterial contamination. Also, ensure the can or bottle is properly sealed and hasn’t been opened.
Pitted or whole olives? If you’re buying fresh olives, you might prefer whole olives over pitted ones. While pitted olives save time, they tend to be saltier and softer. Without the pit, the brine can soak deeper into the olive, changing its texture and flavor.
Self-serve olive bars. Olive bars can be a paradise for olive lovers, but it's important to take a few steps to pick the best ones. Choose olives that are fully submerged in brine, as these are typically the freshest and most flavorful. Also, when selecting olives, inspect them carefully for any signs of mold—look out for white specks or discoloration.
- Pro Tip: Ask a staff member when the olives are replenished throughout the day. This ensures you’re getting the freshest olives available.
What exactly are olives?
Olives are small stone fruits with a wide range of flavors. As stone fruits, olives belong to the same family as peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots. The pit at the center is not edible, but the flesh surrounding it is. Olives can range in flavor from sweet and fruity to smoky and buttery.
- Fun Fact: There are over 1,000 varieties of olives, and most of them are grown in the Mediterranean region.
