How to store oils so they don't become bitter and lose their usefulness: Tips from chefs
How to store oil properly (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Oil is one of the main ingredients in the kitchen, used in the preparation of many dishes. But to prevent oil from losing its flavor and becoming bitter, it is important to know how to store it properly.
Where to store oil
Oils, especially olive oil, tend to change their flavor when exposed to light and heat. Therefore, one of the most important factors is choosing a place to store it.
Store the oil in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. The ideal option is a kitchen cabinet as far away from the stove and radiators as possible or a pantry where the temperature does not exceed 18-20 degrees.
In addition, in order not to lose the quality of the oil for a long time, you should store it as follows:
- Store the oil in a dark bottle. Dark green, blue, and brown glass bottles and jars protect the oil from light and do not react chemically with it. Metal containers also protect the oil from oxidation, while plastic is less effective.
- Hermetically seal the bottle. Always close the oil container tightly to prevent air and moisture from entering.
- Do not use the same bottle for different types of oil. Different types of oil have different flavors and aromas. To avoid mixing flavors, use a separate container for each type of oil.
- Store oil in several small bottles instead of one large one. This will make the liquid less susceptible to oxidation.
How to store sunflower oil
Sunflower oil can be stored in a cool place, even in the refrigerator, until the bottle is opened. However, the liquid may become darker in the refrigerator, but will return to its natural color in a few hours at room temperature.
It is recommended to store an open bottle of sunflower oil at a temperature of 20-25 degrees. In addition, the container must be stored in a dry place, away from sunlight, even though refined oil is more resistant to light.
How to store corn oil
There are no specific rules for storing corn oil, it should be stored in the same way as other types of oils: in a dark, dry and slightly cool place.
To make corn oil last longer, you can put it in the refrigerator. The substance may become slightly cloudy from the cold, but it will become clear when heated.
How to store olive oil
Unlike many other types of oil, olive oil has a short shelf life. Therefore, you need to choose the right place to store it with great care.
The ideal temperature for storing olive oil is 15-18 degrees. Most often, olive oil is sold in containers that are optimal for long-term storage, so all you have to do is close the lid tightly and put the bottle in a dark, dry place.
How to store olive oil (illustrative photo: Freepik)
How to store flaxseed oil
The storage conditions for flaxseed oil differ depending on its type - for example, hot-pressed flaxseed oil can be stored in a cool place in a metal container. Cold-pressed flaxseed oil is best stored in the refrigerator.
How to store sesame oil
Sesame oil is extremely sensitive to oxygen, light and heat, so it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator, on the least lighted shelf. In addition, sesame oil will not thicken even at low temperatures, unlike coconut oil.
How to store coconut oil
Coconut oil is usually sold in transparent glass jars, so it must be stored in drawers protected from sunlight. If you are going to use coconut oil for baking, it is better to store the product at room temperature to prevent it from hardening.
How to store coconut oil (illustrative photo: Freepik)
If the oil is to be used for frying, it can be stored in the refrigerator, as solidification will not affect the result.
How to store pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil should be stored in a dark and cool place, with a temperature of about 18 degrees. For long-term storage, it is recommended to put the oil in the refrigerator, but keep it at room temperature for several hours before use to restore the texture and qualities of the substance.
How long can the oil be stored
Like any product, oil has a limited shelf life. Although the expiration date on the package may be quite long, after opening the bottle, the oil begins to lose its beneficial properties and taste within a few months.
Oils that contain a lot of unsaturated fatty acids (for example, olive oil) are prone to faster oxidation, so it is better to use them within 3-6 months after opening the package.
And oil in corked bottles can be stored for up to 2 years, depending on air temperature and other factors.
However, if the oil begins to emit a bitter or rancid odor, this indicates that it has spoiled, and it is better to refuse such oil.
We recently talked about how to store spices so that they don't lose their flavor.
We wrote about how to extend the shelf life of a cut avocado.
Sources: Healthline, The Spruce Eats, Serious Eats, Yevhen Klopotenko's culinary website.
