If stored properly, cooking oil is a long-lasting food ingredient. However, oil that is stored carelessly can go rancid quickly, even before it expires. This article will guide you through storing your oil properly, choosing a container and storage location, and telling you how long you should store your oil. In this article, you will also discover the characteristics of an oil that has gone rancid.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Right Container
Step 1. Close the oil bottle when you are not using it
One of the causes of rancidity of oil is exposure to excess oxygen. Therefore, do not forget to close the oil bottle when not in use.
Step 2. Store the oil in a dark-colored bottle that can be tightly closed, even if the original bottle is clear
Sunlight can degrade the quality of the oil, and a dark bottle can help reduce sun exposure to the oil. Use a funnel to transfer the oil to a new bottle to prevent the oil from spilling out.
- Brown bottles are not good for storing oil, because they absorb too much light.
- If you store more than one type of oil, don't forget to label the oil bottle.
- You can use a dark bottle of wine or vinegar to store the oil.
- You can also buy dark bottles at a kitchen supply store.
Step 3. Avoid using plastic bottles
Over time, the chemicals in the plastic will dissolve in the oil, changing the taste of the oil. If you bought the oil in a plastic bottle, transfer the oil to a bottle or glass jar that can be closed tightly.
Step 4. Avoid using iron or copper containers
The two metals react with the oil, so the oil stored in the two containers is no longer safe for consumption.
Step 5. Try transferring some of the oil to a smaller container to make it easier to pour the oil
Some types of oil are sold in cans or large bottles, making it difficult to pour. To work around this, you can transfer the oil to a dark bottle (as suggested above).
- Transfer the oil to a smaller bottle when you are going to use it.
- When the bottle is empty, refill it with oil from the large container. The small bottle will make it easier for you to pour the oil, instead of pouring it directly from the container.
Method 2 of 3: Storing Cooking Oil Properly
Step 1. Know which oils can be stored at room temperature
The following oils can be stored at room temperature:
- Ghee can be stored for several months.
- Palm oil can be stored for several months.
- Refined peanut oil can be stored for two years.
- Vegetable oil can be stored for a year or longer, as long as the container is tightly closed.
- Olive oil can be stored in a cupboard at a temperature of 14-21 degrees Celsius for 15 months.
Step 2. Store oil in a cool, dark cupboard, and do not store oil near or on the stove
Changes in temperature can reduce the quality of the oil.
Step 3. Know the type of oil that should be stored in the refrigerator
Some types of oil will spoil if not stored in cold temperatures. When stored in the refrigerator, most of the oil will thicken and condense. Therefore, remove the oil 1-2 hours before use, and allow the oil to melt at room temperature. The following oils should be stored in the refrigerator:
- Avocado oil can be stored for 9-12 months.
- Corn oil can be stored for 6 months.
- Mustard oil can be stored for 5-6 months.
- Safflower oil can be stored for 6 months.
- Sesame oil can be stored for 6 months.
- Truffle oil can be stored for 6 months.
Step 4. Know the type of oil that can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature
Some types of oil can be stored in a regular refrigerator or cupboard, but generally they will last longer if they are stored in the refrigerator. When stored in the refrigerator, most of the oil will thicken and condense. Therefore, remove the oil 1-2 hours before use, and allow the oil to melt at room temperature. However, this is not the case with coconut oil. This oil will freeze at room temperature. The following oils can be stored in a dark, cool refrigerator or regular cupboard:
- Canola oil can be stored in the cupboard for 4-6 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 9 months.
- Chili oil can be stored in the cupboard for up to 6 months. However, this oil will last longer in the refrigerator.
- Coconut oil can be stored in the cupboard for months. However, although coconut oil can last longer if stored in the refrigerator, it will be difficult to use quickly once it is in the refrigerator.
- Grapeseed oil can be stored in a refrigerator at a maximum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius for 3 months, or in the refrigerator for 6 months.
- Hazelnut oil can be stored in the cupboard for 3 months, or in the refrigerator for 6 months.
- Depending on the type, lard can be stored in the cupboard or refrigerator. Follow the storage instructions listed on the packaging.
- Macadamia nut oil can be stored in the cupboard for up to 2 years. However, this oil will last longer in the refrigerator.
- Palm kernel oil can be stored in the cupboard for a year. However, this oil will last longer in the refrigerator.
- Walnut oil can be stored in the cupboard for 3 months, or in the refrigerator for 6 months.
Step 5. Avoid storing oil in "dangerous" places
Sunlight and changes in temperature can degrade the quality of the oil and cause the oil to go rancid. Unfortunately, places you normally use to store oil, such as windows and cupboards, are not the right places. In that place, the oil will be exposed to sunlight and temperature changes. Avoid storing oil in the following places, although oil can be stored at room temperature:
- In the corner of the window
- On the back of the stove
- In the cupboard at the top of the stove
- Next to the stove or oven
- In the cupboard
- Next to the refrigerator (the outside of the refrigerator can be hot)
- Near cooking utensils, such as kettles, toasters, or waffles.
Method 3 of 3: Throw away Rancid or Old Oil
Step 1. Remember that oil has a short shelf life
When buying oil, you may find two types of oil, namely refined and unrefined. Refined oils have been through a processing process, tend to be tasteless, and have little nutritional value. On the other hand, unrefined oils are generally cleaner, and have a richer nutritional value. Look at the oil label to determine the type. Here are the exact storage times for both types of oil:
- Refined oil can be stored for 6-12 months in a dark and cool cabinet. You can also store it in the refrigerator if necessary.
- Unrefined oil can be stored for 3-6 months in a dark and cool cabinet. It is best to store this oil in the refrigerator.
Step 2. Smell the oil every few months
If the oil smells bad, or smells slightly close to wine, it has gone rancid and should be thrown away.
Step 3. Pay attention to the taste of the oil
If the oil tastes metallic, wine-like, or has a bad taste, it has gone rancid or has oxidized and is therefore unfit for consumption.
Step 4. Look at the storage conditions for the oil before it went rancid to see why
Once you know the reason why your stored oil has gone rancid, don't repeat the same mistakes when storing new bottles of oil. Keep the following in mind when you find that your oil has gone rancid:
- Check the expiration date of the oil. If the oil expires before use, buy the oil in a smaller package when shopping.
- Pay attention to the bottle where the oil is stored. Some types of plastic bottles will dissolve chemicals in the oil, causing the oil to go rancid.
- Some metals, such as copper and iron, are reactive metals. So if you store oil in a metal container, the metal will chemically react with the oil, changing the taste of the oil. Therefore, do not store oil in metal containers.
- Pay attention to where the oil is stored. Some oils should be stored in the refrigerator, while others should be stored in a dark, cool cupboard. However, generally you should store your oil in a place away from sunlight and at a stable temperature.
- Pay attention to how you store the oil. Make sure you cover the oil bottle when you're not using it. Oil stored in an open container may be oxidized.
Step 5. Don't throw oil in the sink, especially if it freezes at room temperature
While it may seem practical, disposing of oil this way will cause your sink to clog. The best way to dispose of oil is to pour it into a non-leaking container (such as a jar or plastic container with a zipper), and toss the container in the trash.
Tips
- Cover the oil bottle after use to avoid a rancid taste of the oil.
- If you have a lot of oil, store it in the refrigerator to make it last longer. The oil will melt once it is removed from the refrigerator. However, coconut oil will freeze at room temperature.
- When buying oil, choose a bottle at the back of the shelf. The bottle may not be exposed to sunlight. However, stores with fast stock turnover generally don't experience stockpiling, so lighting is not a problem. If you're shopping at a supermarket, know that the groceries that are there are illuminated. To avoid this, you can shop at specialty health food stores with slower stock turnover.
- Do not buy oil that is stored near a heat source. If you notice oil being stored near a heat source, try advising the store owner to move the oil display to a cooler location.
- When buying oil, check the expiration date. That way, you can plan to use the oil before it expires.
Warning
- Do not leave the oil bottle open for long periods of time. Oxygen will cause the oil to go rancid.
- Do not store oil in areas exposed to sunlight or where the temperature changes, such as windows, cupboards, or near stoves.
- Be careful when adding spices or garlic to the oil. Soak the spices or garlic to be immersed in the oil for 24 hours in the vinegar, to reduce the transfer of pathogens that can cause botulism.[citation needed] Store homemade spice oil in the refrigerator, and use it quickly. [citation needed] Use homemade onion oil within a week of making it.[citation needed]
