Shelf Life Of Different Cooking Oils: Edible oil kept in the kitchen lasts for months, so people often buy it once and keep using it until it runs out. But have you ever thought that oil can also go bad? If not, then it is important to know that every type of cooking oil has a fixed shelf life. If not stored properly, oil can spoil quickly, due to which not only the taste of food but also health can be affected.
When does oil go bad?
According to home experts, oil does not spoil immediately like milk or bread, but with time, due to exposure to oxygen, light and heat, the process of oxidation starts in it. Due to this reason the oil starts becoming rancid. According to experts, consuming a little rancid oil occasionally does not cause any immediate immediate problem, but consumption of such oil for a long time can cause formation of free radicals in the body.
When does oil start going bad?
How long the oil remains safe also depends on its type. Refined vegetable or canola oil can remain good for about 1 to 2 years in an unopened bottle, while it is best to use it within 6 to 12 months after opening. Extra virgin olive oil remains good for approximately 24 months in unopened packaging and 3 to 6 months after opening. Coconut oil can last for about 2 years. Whereas sesame oil remains safe for about 6 months after opening and flaxseed oil remains safe for 6 to 8 months in closed pack. Flaxseed oil should be kept in the refrigerator after opening. Avocado oil can also be used for about 6 months after opening.
How to know whether it is expired or not?
While buying oil, definitely check the Best Before or Use By date written on the bottle. This date indicates the best quality of the oil, not that the oil will immediately become unsafe after the same day. However, if the oil is not stored properly, it may spoil even before the expiry date. Therefore, writing down the date of opening the bottle can also be a good habit.
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Pay attention to its smell first
If you want to understand whether the oil has gone bad or not, first pay attention to its smell. Bad oil starts giving off sour, stale or strange smell. The taste may feel bitter, sour or soapy. Apart from this, change in the color of the oil, accumulation of sediment at the bottom or it becoming thicker than normal can also be a sign of its spoilage. However, slight clouding of olive oil is considered normal when kept in the refrigerator and it becomes normal again at room temperature.
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