Naturally, you cannot use just any oil to fry your food. If you want your food to have a crispy coating without absorbing oil and becoming greasy, you need oils like sunflower,canola, or peanut oil.
cooking for mom
This is because these oils have a higher smoke point and are therefore better for higher heat frying and pan cooking. But since we don't use these oils as often (we reuse some, too), they tend to stay in our pantry longer.
For example, peanut oil is often found in most homes and is commonly used in cooking. What you found in your closet looks like it's been sitting there for quite some time. The problem here is obvious:Is peanut oil bad for you?
This article is about peanut oil, its use, shelf life, and more. So if you plan to fry some foods but you're not sure if the peanut oil you have has gone bad, read on and find out!
See more information: Is peanut butter bad for you?
Is peanut oil bad for you?
The short answer is –yes, peanut oil can go bad.Peanut oil has a fairly long shelf life, but it doesn't last indefinitely. However, if you store it correctly and buy the correct version, the chances of it coming back on you in a short period of time are low.
But before revealing other important information, let's learn more useful things about the oil.
Related questions:
- Is olive oil bad?
- Is coconut oil bad?
- Is lard bad?
- Does bacon grease go bad?
About peanut oil
Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil or groundnut oil, is avegetable oilmade from peanut seeds. Peanut seeds grow underground, hence the name peanut.
Peanut oil is used primarily in American, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and South Asian cuisines. This oil has a high smoke point of 437℉ and is commonly used for frying.
Also, peanut oil can have a wide range of flavors from strong and nutty to mild and sweet. This depends on the type of production and therefore there are several types of peanut oil:
1. Refined peanut oil
This type is bleached and deodorized and free of allergenic parts. That is why this version is safe for people with allergies. Refined peanut oil is often used in restaurants for fried foods like French fries and chicken.
2. Cold-pressed peanut oil
Cold pressed means that the peanuts are crushed to expel the oil. This type is processed over low heat and most of the nutrients and flavor are preserved. If you are allergic to peanuts, definitely stay away from this guy.
3. Gourmet peanut oil
This type is unrefined and is usually roasted. It also has a deeper, more intense nutty flavor than refined oil.
4. Peanut Oil Blends
This type is often blended with similar but more affordable oils, such as soybean oil, and is usually sold in bulk for frying foods.
Nutritional value
Let's take a look at the nutritional profile of peanut oil per tablespoon:
| calories | 119 |
| Gordo | 14 grams |
| Saturated fat | 2.3 grams |
| monosaturated fat | 6.2 grams |
| polyunsaturated fat | 4.3 grams |
| Vitamin E | 11 out of *VD= Daily Intake |
| fitoesteroles | 28 milligrams |
The main type of monounsaturated fat found in peanut oil is oleic acid oromega-9. It also contains linoleic acid, aomega-6 fatty acidtype and somepalmitic acid, a type of saturated fat.
Peanut oil is trans and cholesterol free, making it one of the healthiest vegetable oils. It is also a good source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals.
fitoesterolesThey are found in plants and are similar to cholesterol in the human body. But they block the absorption of cholesterol, so they must be part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Now, let's go over our general advantages and disadvantages of peanut oil:
advantages
- It is cholesterol free and trans free.
- Contains healthy fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-9
- Vitamin E protects from free radical damage and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Healthy fatty acids (mono and poly) can reduce insulin sensitivity
- It has a higher boiling point, making it a perfect choice of oil for frying.
Contras
- Contains a certain amount of omega-6 fatty acids, which in large amounts can causeinflammation and other health risks
- Due to the higher amounts of unsaturated fats, peanut oil is more prone to oxidation when exposed to higher temperatures and can representspecific health risks
How long does peanut oil last?
Now that we know more about the nature of this oil, it's time to find out more about its shelf life. Like all other vegetable oils, peanut oil also has an expiration date.
This date should be an indicator of how long a product can last. However, unopened peanut oil will not spoil overnight if stored properly. In fact, it can be used months, if not years, after the date on the label. Still, that doesn't mean it will stay at top quality forever.
The shelf life of your peanut oil will depend on its processing (refined or unrefined) and storage conditions. The most refined and quality oils tend to keep better.
However, let's start withclosed peanut oilTherefore, an unopened bottle of peanut oil normally lasts1-3 years, depending on the brand and processing of course. It can be used months after the expiration date if storage conditions are suitable.
an open bottleof peanut oil can last7-12 months, sometimes more or less. Although, we recommend using it for the first 3-5 months to enjoy the best possible quality.
Can peanut oil be reused?
You can, but it is recommended to reuse it only 2-3 times after the first use. This is because it tends to lose quality quickly after heating and often takes on the flavors of different foods.
If you plan to reuse it, choose the refined version over the unrefined, as it has a longer shelf life. Also, don't wait months between reusing the oil, as it will go rancid. Instead, choose to use it within a week.
How do you know if peanut oil has gone bad?
Vegetable oils tend to deteriorate slowly and are not harmful to health, even when consumed rancid. In the worst case, your food will not taste as expected.
You're also not likely to notice signs of mold and some significant changes in texture. However, there are other signs that you will know for sure that your oil has gone rancid.
The first sure sign is aunpleasant smell. Rancid oil will have metallic, soapy, or bitter aromas. If it feels rancid, your oil has gone bad and it's time to throw it away.
Then tap the bottle or place a little oil between your fingers. if there is asticky residue or oil is sticky, Throw away.
If the oil hasdiscolorationsas a much darker color, it is a sign of rancidity and should not be used.
Also, if the fats in the oil begin to break down or the oil has a cloudy consistency, it is no longer safe to use. However, keep in mind that cloudiness of the oil can also be caused by lower temperatures; so look for other signs if you notice this.
How to store peanut oil?
a closed bottleof peanut oil does not need to be kept in the refrigerator. You should store it like you store other vegetable oils. That means you should keep it in adark, dry and cool place, away from sources of light and heat.
Apantry, closet or cellarit will work fine. only rememberseal it firmlyto prevent theoxidation processto spoil the product.
After opening the bottle, you can store it in the fridge or pantry. Cooler temperatures can extend its shelf life, so consider storing it in the fridge if you have space to spare.
You should always storeused peanut oilNosealed refrigerator in an airtight container. Also, let it cool down after using it and filter out any remaining food particles.
Lastly, you can freeze peanut oil, but keep in mind that it may change in flavor and texture once thawed.
Peanut Oil Goes Bad: Final Thoughts
Bottom line, peanut oil will last a long time, but not indefinitely. It is considered one of the most stable oils in storage since it has a high boiling point.
Unopened peanut oil lasts for over a year and can even be used after the expiration date. Once you open the container, the oxidation process begins and you have less than a few months to consume it. Also, you can reuse the peanut oil many times after the first use.
The telltale signs of rancid oil are pretty obvious: a musty, unpleasant odor, a much darker color, a cloudy, sticky texture. If you notice any of these, discard the oil.
As for storage, it is not necessary to keep the bottle in the fridge. You can keep it in the pantry. On the other hand, store used oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Is cooking with peanut oil bad for you? ›
No, in fact peanut oil is one of the healthiest oils. Peanut oil is packed with nutrition. It is a vegetable oil that is naturally trans fat-free, cholesterol free, and low in saturated fats. Peanut oil is high in unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fat, which is also found in olive oil.
What US cooking oil is the healthiest? ›The healthiest oils are those that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as vegetable oil and olive oil. These types of fats can help lower your risk of heart disease when used instead of saturated fats.
Is peanut oil healthy or not? ›Peanut oil is rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that offers many protective benefits against chronic disease. This, along with its healthy fat content, means peanut oil can be a great addition to your diet — as long as you consume it in moderation.
Is peanut oil better for you than vegetable oil? ›Peanut oil has the same macronutrient content as a blend of peanut, olive, and corn oils, consisting of 100% fats. Nevertheless, vegetable oil has a more favorable fat profile, being richer in unsaturated fats and lower in saturated fats. Vegetable oil is also richer in vitamin K and minerals.
What is the unhealthiest oil to cook with? ›- Palm oil.
- Vegetable oil.
- Soybean oil.
- Sunflower oil.
- Coconut oil.
- Margarine.
- Shortening.
- Butter.
Summary Peanut oil is high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Western diets tend to be too high in these fats already, which may increase the risk of certain diseases. This oil may also be prone to oxidation, making it an unsafe choice as a cooking oil.
What are the two healthiest cooking oils? ›The bottom line
Some of the healthier cooking oils that can withstand higher cooking temperatures include olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, and safflower oil. Plus, they contain various unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and other compounds that may offer health benefits.
Heart-healthy oils like canola, corn, olive, peanut, and sunflower oils contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They help to lower harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raise healthy high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Does Chick-fil-A use peanut oil? ›Does Chick-fil-A use peanut oil? Ever since our founder Truett Cathy created the Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, we've been cooking our hand-breaded chicken exclusively in fully refined, heat-processed peanut oil.
Which is healthier canola or peanut oil? ›Peanut oil is higher in saturated fat, with 18%, making it slightly less healthy than canola oil, but it still contains 48% monounsaturated fat and 34% polyunsaturated fat. An all-purpose oil that's high in monounsaturated fats, peanut oil is also about 30% polyunsaturated fats and 20% saturated.
What is healthiest oil for deep frying? ›
Olive oil and avocado oil are good choices for deep frying. Peanut and palm oils are less suitable, either for health or environmental reasons.
Is deep frying in peanut oil healthy? ›High oleic peanut oil is high in unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fat, like olive oil. Because it can be heated to a higher temperature than other oils, resulting in lower oil residue in food, refined peanut oil is a perfect choice for healthier frying.
What happens if I use peanut oil instead of vegetable oil? ›The characteristics of peanut oil are similar to vegetable oil, making it a great substitute. It's particularly good for frying, thanks to its high smoking point. Contrary to its name, peanut oil does not taste like its namesake and is prized for its neutral flavor.
What cooking oils should I avoid? ›The oils which should be avoided for cooking are oils like soybean, corn, canola, sunflower, and safflower. These oils have unstable fats and will decimate the nutritional properties of your food.
What oils are carcinogenic when heated? ›When heated, corn, sunflower, palm and soya bean oils release chemicals known as aldehydes - which have been linked to various cancers. Some studies suggest toxic compounds may promote the oxidisation of retinaldehyde, transforming it into retinoic acid.
Does Mcdonald's use peanut oil? ›Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them.
Is peanut oil worse than olive oil? ›As for vitamins and minerals, both olive oil and peanut oil contain vitamin E. However, olive oil also contains additional healthy compounds, including other vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols and more. As a result, olive oil offers more well-rounded health benefits than peanut oil does.
Is Chick-fil-A OK for peanut allergies? ›Our allergist agreed that Chick-Fil-A is typically a safe place for those with peanut allergies to eat. The oil is 100% refined peanut oil, meaning that the protein from the peanuts has been removed, thus not posing a risk for those with peanut allergies.
What oils do not clog arteries? ›Monounsaturated Fats
According to MayoClinic.com, consuming MUFAs improves your blood cholesterol levels, reduces your risk of heart disease and may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Foods high in monounsaturated fats include olive, canola, sunflower and sesame oils, avocados, pecans, almonds, salmon and herring.
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are jam-packed with important nutrients that play a central role in heart health. Berries are also rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect against the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to the development of heart disease ( 9 ).
What oil may cause heart problems? ›
Recovered data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study also found that replacement of dietary saturated fats with omega-6 linoleic acid (from safflower oil and margarine) increased all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and CHD mortality.
What cooking oils are brain healthy? ›Some oils — such as soybean, canola, walnut, and flaxseed — are rich in a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which may promote brain and heart health.
Is butter good for cholesterol? ›Scientists around the world simultaneously showed that saturated fat—the kind in butter and lard—increases both “bad” LDL cholesterol and “good” HDL cholesterol, making it similar to carbohydrates overall but not as beneficial to health as polyunsaturated fats from nuts and vegetables.
Does garlic reduce cholesterol? ›Consumption has been shown to decrease total and LDL-C and triglyceride levels. An intake of the half to one clove of garlic per day lowers cholesterol levels approximately 10%.
What oil does Burger King use? ›Our fryer oil contains: corn, canola, soy and/or cottonseed oils.
Does Five Guys use peanut oil? ›6. Five Guys only uses peanut oil. If you have a nut allergy, you're out of luck. The chain only uses peanut oil for cooking.
Does Popeyes chicken use peanut oil? ›Popeyes uses a blend of canola and soybean oil to fry their chicken. This oil blend is known as the “Louisiana Kitchen” oil and is made up of 100% vegetable oil. The vegetable oil blend is a balanced ratio of canola and soybean oil, which gives the chicken its signature taste.
Is it better to fry chicken in peanut oil? ›Peanut Oil
It also has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying chicken. Plus, peanut oil prevents flavor transfer, which is excellent for establishments serving multiple fried foods.
Rice bran oil, avocado oil and grape seed oil are also fine substitutes for peanut oil. All three have high smoke points. Rice bran and grape seed oil have neutral flavors, while avocado has a stronger flavor and more buttery texture. You can use all 3 of these oils to make salad dressings.
What oil do you use for french fries? ›Refined peanut oil is the best oil to use for making french fries. You can also use canola or safflower oil. Additionally, restaurant fries are so crispy because, among other things, they use old oil continuously.
What is the healthiest oil to fry fish in? ›
Coconut oil is the healthiest option for deep frying your fish. It has a neutral taste and reduces flavor transfer between batches.
Can you fry potatoes in peanut oil? ›Peanut oil or any light vegetable oil is necessary to make the best fried potatoes with the crispy crust you're looking for. I prefer peanut oil over olive oil because of its high smoke point but use what you have.
How many times can you reuse peanut oil for deep frying? ›Our recommendation: With breaded and battered foods, reuse oil three or four times. With cleaner-frying items such as potato chips, it's fine to reuse oil at least eight times—and likely far longer, especially if you're replenishing it with some fresh oil.
What can I use instead of oil for frying? ›- Butter and margarine. Butter and margarine are glorious for adding flavour, richness and colour to meals so a great swap for oil. ...
- Ghee. Instead try Ghee, a clarified butter from South Asia. ...
- Vegetable shortening. ...
- Bacon grease. ...
- Schmaltz. ...
- Mashed bananas and apple sauce. ...
- Tahini. ...
- Sunday roast fat.
You can also use peanut oil in place of butter to add an extra delicious nutty taste! For every substitute of this oil, add a pinch of salt to trick your taste buds. The salt will add to the oil and make it seem like butter was used!
Can I use peanut oil in bread? ›Peanut oil can be used in several baking systems such as cakes, cookies, muffins and breads. It's most complimentary to savory and nuts-containing baked goods.
Is peanut oil a healthy oil to fry in? ›Peanut oil
It's popular for deep frying because it has a neutral taste ( 10 ). However, it may not be as healthy as some other choices. It contains around 32% polyunsaturated fats. This is a relatively high amount that makes it vulnerable to oxidative damage at high temperatures ( 11 ).
Peanut oil is great for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral taste, according to Serious Eats, but it also has less saturated fat than lard, beef fat or duck fat, says Canfield, all of which are used on French fries. Plus, peanut oil also boasts heart-healthy poly- and monounsaturated fats.
Is it better to fry French fries and peanut oil or vegetable oil? ›Choose peanut oil for high-heat methods like stir-frying or deep-frying, or when making foods that require extremely hot oil, such as popcorn. Because of its high smoke point, peanut oil is one of the best oils for french fries.
Are Chick Fil A fries cooked in peanut oil? ›Then several different options were tested, and in the end, Chick-fil-A opted to cook its Waffle Potato Fries® in canola oil, says Worrell. Similar to peanut oil, the seed-based canola oil has a neutral flavor, allowing the sweet taste of the potato to be savored by the palate.
Is Mcdonald's food cooked in peanut oil? ›
Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them. Want to hear more about our fry ingredients?
Can you fry chicken in peanut oil? ›Benefits: Peanut oil is one of the most affordable types of oil. It also has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying chicken. Plus, peanut oil prevents flavor transfer, which is excellent for establishments serving multiple fried foods.
What can I use instead of peanut oil for frying? ›Sesame is the best replacement for peanut oil if you're seeking to replace the ingredient due to its similar nutty taste. Canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil are your top choices if you require an oil for frying that has equivalent cooking characteristics.
Is peanut oil just as good as olive oil? ›As for vitamins and minerals, both olive oil and peanut oil contain vitamin E. However, olive oil also contains additional healthy compounds, including other vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols and more. As a result, olive oil offers more well-rounded health benefits than peanut oil does.
What oil do chefs use for frying? ›Corn Oil. Refined corn oil is often used in frying, thanks to its smoke point of 450°. It has a neutral flavor, and is used frequently in commercial kitchens because of its low price point.
What oil do restaurants use for deep frying? ›Most deep fryers operate at a temperature between 350- and 400-degrees Fahrenheit, making canola oil a highly stable choice. Furthermore, canola oil tends to be one of the most affordable oils on the market, making it a popular choice for restaurants that require large volumes of oil and frequent oil changes.
Which cooking oil is best for heart? ›- Canola.
- Corn.
- Olive.
- Peanut.
- Safflower.
- Soybean.
- Sunflower.