Does olive oil go rancid when heated?

Does olive oil become rancid when heated during cooking or storage? Many people wonder about this, but chemistry tells a clear story.

The short answer is no. Olive oil does not instantly go rancid when heated for a short time. However, how it is heated is important.

Heat is one of the major enemies of olive oil quality, along with oxygen and light. When heated, oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in olive oil happens at an accelerated rate. 

Although a single heating might not lead to rancidity, an extended and repetitive heating causes the rancidity of oil.

However, extra virgin olive oil is surprisingly stable because it contains natural antioxidants that protect it during heating and storage.