Peanut oil cannot be considered an ordinary product compared to other oils, but this natural food has found its place in many cuisines due to its nutty taste and usefulness.
Since it is quite rare, we often wonder how to properly store peanut oil.
Let's see what we can find out about it!
How long does peanut oil last?
Like any other natural vegetable or nut oil, peanut product has a fairly long shelf life. Of course, when we buy a bottle of it in a store, we can find the expiration date indicated on the label, but it only shows when the oil will remain at its optimal potency.
This date certainly does not mean that the product will spoil immediately after the expiration date.
Still, it also doesn't prove that peanut oil can last forever.
Like every organic product, it has its final shelf life. However, if we follow the basic storage requirements, it is possible to maximize its service life. In this case, it is possible to store peanut oil for months and sometimes even a year or two past the expiration date!
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But before we figure out what actions need to be taken to achieve this goal, let's see how long we can safely store this product at home if we do everything right.
| pantry | |
|---|---|
| unopened oil | Store it safely 1-2 years after the expiration date |
| open oil | Lasts from 6 to 12 months not maximum |
| used oil | Keep it for almost 2 weeks (equivalent to 3-5 uses) |
However, keep in mind that this information may vary slightly, as the shelf life significantly depends on the quality of the product, and better oils last longer than cheaper ones.
Storage tips and nuances
How do we store peanut oil?
Actually, it's not a big deal.
- Always keep the bottle tightly capped to avoid contamination.
- Keep it in a dry and shady place.
- Keep the bottle away from heating objects
- Refrigeration isn't mandatory, even with a screw-on bottle, but if you're going to store it for a year or more, it's best to refrigerate your food.
- If you need to store a used product, never leave it in the fryer. When it is no longer hot, drain it into the plastic/glass container and check again that there are no food residues inside.
These rules seem simple, but believe me, they can literally save the product and keep it fresh and safe longer.
How long is peanut oil good for frying?
Some of us often use peanut oil in frying because it gives the food its nutty flavor. Of course, everyone is curious to see how long this product will still be suitable for this purpose.
Well, we can say that it depends on whether your product is open or still sealed.
Since unscrewed oil has a shelf life of twelve months, it would make more sense to use it for deep frying.
On the other hand, if you've already unscrewed the bottle, it's okay to enjoy it if the product is still good and usable.
If you experience any symptoms of rancidity, do not fry this oil, as it can be harmful!
How to tell if peanut oil is bad?
And here we come to the most troubling question.
How to define whether peanut oil is good or bad?
Choose one of these 100% working methods:
- Bad oil turns dark brown, its hue darkens
- Its odor has become unpleasant and rancid.
- If the oil is cloudy or you feel the fat breaking down, throw it away without hesitation!
Such a product is unsuitable for both frying and use as is.
4 tips to know if peanut oil has gone bad
The better you take care of your food, the better chance it will last longer, be safe to eat, and retain all of its vitamins and nutrients.
But this rule does not apply only to fruits, vegetables and other products. This also applies to oils, including peanut oil. Below you can check four signs that will show you that your oil has spoiled or is close to it.
Your peanut oil looks different
When peanut oil goes bad, it changes color. This is one of the first symptoms of spoilage and spoilage. If you check a bottle of oil and notice that it has turned brown or darkened, this is your first red flag!
You should check for other symptoms of deterioration (read about them below) to decide what to do.
Your peanut oil has a strange or unpleasant smell
Odor is another common sign of product deterioration. We all know that spoiled food smells unpleasant and bad. It's the same with peanut oil. If you suspect your peanut oil might be going bad, open the bottle and give it a good sniff. If your oil gives off a putrid or chemical smell, it's probably already rancid.
Your peanut oil tastes bad
Taste is another obvious sign of food spoilage that can clearly show that your product is no longer edible. Speaking of peanut oil, sooner or later it will go rancid anyway, even if you keep it closed in a cool place. If you're not sure if it's still edible, try it. You can easily tell your oil has gone rancid if it has a tangy or bitter taste.
Your peanut oil has lost its cooking quality
This "symptom" is rarely noticed by people, but you should also keep it in mind to determine whether peanut oil is okay or not. It might be a little harder to notice, but once peanut oil goes rancid, it loses its ability to be used in food preparation. So, if you try to use it to fry, for example, and realize that it doesn't work, it's definitely rancid.
The risk of eating expired peanut oil
Everyone knows that eating spoiled/rotten/bad food often leads to food poisoning or at the very least can make you quite sick. Because of this, people often wonder if using rancid or suspiciously smelling/tasting peanut oil could be dangerous.
First, if you feel or sense that your peanut oil is no longer good, you should discard it right away. If you use stale or expired peanut oil for cooking, it will give your dishes an unpleasant rancid taste.
However, it won't do much harm or make you sick! Anyway, if you're in doubt about a bottle of peanut oil that's been sitting on the shelf for a while, just to be safe, throw it away.
Can you freeze peanut oil?
Freezing food is the best and easiest way to preserve and keep it edible for longer. However, when it comes to oils, it is often not entirely clear whether they are safe to freeze and, if so, how to do it correctly without spoiling the product.
Speaking of peanut oil, it freezes well. However, if you choose to freeze it, be aware that it is likely to lose flavor, particularly after prolonged freezing (for a year or more). On the other hand, your frying and cooking skills will not be affected, and the taste and aroma of the dish will not be affected.
You can freeze peanut oil by placing it in a container. Just make sure you fill in no more than four-fifths of the total volume. Then close the container and place in the freezer.
But some people freeze peanut oil in ice cube trays as it's easier to add to dishes later on. All you have to do is throw some dice in the pan without defrosting it first!
Can you reuse peanut oil after frying?
Some people wonder if it's safe to reuse peanut oil after frying it.
However, in fact, it is only possible if you follow some instructions to make its further use safe.
- After cooking, let the product cool down
- Remove any bulky putty particles
- Take an empty tank, place a cotton cloth over it and strain the product
- If you notice dirt, throw it away.
- Cover the tank tightly and store in a cool, dry place.
And remember that the oil will dissolve with each subsequent use, so never cook in it more than twice.
Peanut oil is a great 100% organic natural product that serves as a perfect substitute for the less beneficial and healthy foods we are used to. It goes well with roasts, spicy dishes and salads and gives them a slightly dry fruit aroma.
Store it properly and this product will serve you for a long time.
Diploma
Well, now you know how to handle peanut oil to store it properly. We talked about tips and proper storage methods for this type of oil. Also, you learned how to extend its shelf life by freezing it.
They also know how to tell if your peanut oil has gone rancid to avoid any unpleasant effects it might have on you! All this will help you benefit from using this healthy product in your kitchen.
common questions
⭐ What's the best oil to fry?
The official version is that peanut and canola oil are the best. They have the highest smoke points which make them stable during the roasting process.
⭐ Can peanut oil spoil?
Yes, it can age if stored improperly, so keep an eye on this product and check it regularly for signs of rancidity.
⭐ How many times can you reuse peanut oil?
However, there is no official answer, as the product breaks down with each new frying pan, it is better to use it repeatedly once or twice.
⭐ Is frying in peanut oil healthy?
Peanut oil is low in saturated fat and high in unsaturated fat, which actually makes it healthier for food preparation compared to other similar products.
⭐ Oil reuse is bad?
If it is reused without a deep fryer, it is extremely harmful to health, since such a product increases cholesterol, leads to cancer and destroys organ cells.
⭐ Can you freeze peanut oil?
Yes, it can be refrigerated, but this option is not ideal as it will likely change the aroma and taste of the product.