Have you ever dug deep into your cupboard and retrieved a partially empty bottle of vegetable oil that has surpassed its printed Best By date, and pondered its usability? Preserving oil over an extended period can be challenging. Despite not having the extended shelf life of our other preservation foods, it can still be safely stored.
This article will explore four ways to increase the shelf life of stored oil and also provide guidance on determining its usability, particularly if it has exceeded its expiration or best by date. Who would want to consume boiled dishes every day, particularly during emergencies? Frankly, I wouldn’t even prefer that in my regular routine!
If oil is not included in your emergency food storage, you might have to consume it as your daily meal repeatedly.
Does vegetable oil go bad?
Certainly. Vegetable oil has remarkably high amounts of polyunsaturated fat, which is why it remains in liquid state at room temperature as opposed to shortening. On the whole, unsaturated or polyunsaturated fats are less structurally stable and may become rancid much faster.
How can you tell if vegetable oil has gone bad?
Checking the odor of oil is more important than relying solely on its best by date printed on the container. In case you notice a rancid, acrid, or unpleasant smell, then it’s better to avoid using it. Moreover, if you find any mold growth, don’t consume it.
How long is vegetable oil good for once opened?
If stored correctly, oil that has not been opened can last for approximately two years. However, the shelf life of vegetable oil that has been opened can vary from a few months to a year depending on how it’s stored and its quality. It’s difficult to provide an accurate estimate since the quality of the oil and the storage conditions heavily influence its shelf life.
Keeping the Oils You Store Fresh Longer
When storing oils, remember to consider the four primary factors that impact their shelf life: light, temperature, time, and oxygen. By doing so, you can reduce the likelihood of rancidity before you are ready to utilize them.
It is important to bear in mind that oxidation is caused by heat, light, and oxygen. Oils that have undergone oxidation should be avoided as they have harmful qualities.
1. Storing oil in the dark
Oil is greatly affected by light, which is why a lot of oils are sold in bottles that are dark in color, such as black or dark green. These dark containers, whether made of glass or plastic, are designed to prevent the oil from getting spoiled and to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. To ensure that the oil remains protected, it’s essential to store it away from any source of light, such as in a dark cupboard or pantry. It’s even better if you can keep the bottles inside a box for added protection.
2. Be cool
In order to increase the shelf life of your oil, store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When it becomes thick, simply allow it to adjust to room temperature before using it. Coconut oil is an excellent alternative to the oils typically used for cooking and baking. If you prepare meals from scratch, you are most likely aware of this fact; if not, it is advisable to become informed. Having the ability to cook from scratch is a crucial survival skill.
Due to its saturated fat content, coconut oil can be refrigerated and stored for a longer period of time than other oils. If storage space in your home is limited, consider decluttering, donating, or finding alternative storage solutions for other items to make room for your excess oil. It is crucial to avoid storing oil in hot temperatures at all times.
3. How long has it been?
To ensure the quality of stored oil, it is crucial to note its purchase date and regularly rotate it. Otherwise, it may reach its designated best by/expiration date already spoiled, rendering it unfit for use.
If you don’t use oil frequently, opt for smaller bottles and consume them before buying new ones. Additionally, refrain from purchasing oil in bulk from Costco to avoid waste. Nevertheless, if you do purchase in bulk, this article provides ways to repurpose old oil.
Free radicals present in the contaminated oil can contribute to inflammation and damage of cells and tissues.
To ensure all your oil gets used up, rotate through the bottles strictly and replace with a new one when finished, if you’ve accumulated several.
4. Keep oxygen out of stored oil
It is clear that oxygen absorbers cannot be utilized in oil bottles. Your only option is to store oil in jars and use a Food Saver tool to eliminate oxygen from the jar. Yet, this method is not entirely reliable.
To determine the best container size for your household, it’s recommended to monitor your oil consumption. While one family may use a gallon of olive oil within a few months, others may take a year. To avoid waste, it’s suggested that you purchase oil containers that can be used up within two months. This equates to approximately 6-7 bottles per year, which should be rotated by adding fresh oil every few months.
Is there an alternative to oil?
Shortening has become the preferred option for certain food storage professionals as they’ve abandoned long-term oil storage. Shortening can be conveniently packed into canning jars, and by using a Food Saver, it can be vacuum-sealed for extended storage. When oil is required in a recipe, simply liquefy the shortening.
One possible solution could be to follow the aforementioned instructions for storing oil and use vacuum-sealed containers to preserve shortening for several years.
What to do with old oil?
In addition to its unappealing scent and ability to affect the flavor of food, rancid oils have been found to contain harmful free radicals, making it unwise to consume for human health.
You can get rid of it by letting it cool completely. For the larger portions, place them in a container with a lid before disposing of them. For smaller amounts, clean them up using paper towels and dispose of them in the garbage.
Although rancid oil is not suitable for consumption, it can still be utilized for various purposes. Some examples include:
- Lice treatment – Oil suffocates the lice , and a nit comb removes them from hair. Vegetable and olive oil both work.
- Produce biodiesel – If you’re a DIYer, you might find these basic steps for a homemade biodiesel plant interesting.
- Remove sticker residue – Any cooking oil works. Just put some on a paper towel and lay it over the gummy gunk for a few minutes, then wipe. Repeat as needed.
Is storing oil worth the hassle?
Definitely! Rapidly increasing our daily calorie intake is a major benefit of storing and utilizing oil. Although you may avoid oils when on a diet, it is worthwhile to imagine relying entirely on your food reserves during an emergency. In such a scenario, due to higher stress levels and increased physical exertion, your body would require more than 3,000 calories per day.
Incorporating oils into dishes, such as salads, recipes, or even incorporating a small amount of flaxseed or coconut oil into a smoothie, not only enhances the caloric value but also offers various advantageous effects of utilizing high-quality oils.
Here’s an alternative phrasing that preserves the original message: A helpful tip: add some spice to your meals! While it’s true that bland food might suffice during an emergency, why settle for that if you don’t have to? By using oils and spices, you can completely transform otherwise dull dishes. Check out our list of 28 essential oils and spices that will help keep your pantry stocked and your meals flavorful!
Our food storage pantries contain buckets of wheat, rice, and beans that we stack, as we are aware of their ability to remain edible for decades. However, oil storage would demand more consideration and effort.
Worried about food storage and emergency preparedness? Avoid these 5 common mistakes
Mistake #1: Food that’s nutritionally incomplete and unhealthy
During times of emergency, optimal health and energy levels are crucial to effectively deal with any challenges that may arise. Regrettably, numerous individuals stockpile inadequately nutritious food.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the importance of considering the nutritional value of emergency kit foods in their Public Health Matters Blog. Self-care during a crisis includes taking care of one’s body and consuming healthier options can aid in achieving this.
When selecting foods to promote health, opt for nutrient-rich options that do not contain artificial additives or added sugars. It may be tempting to rely on high-carbohydrate foods for fast energy; however, for optimal well-being and endurance, the body requires adequate protein and beneficial fats.
“Eating foods with a low glycemic index — whose sugars are absorbed slowly — may help you avoid the lag in energy that typically occurs after eating quickly absorbed sugars or refined starches,” states Harvard Health Publishing . “In general, high-carbohydrate foods have the highest glycemic indexes. Proteins and fats have glycemic indexes that are close to zero.”
Make certain that you are not solely consuming carbohydrates in your diet. To operate at its best, your body requires essential amino acids from protein and necessary fatty acids from nutritious fats.
Mistake #2: Storing food you don’t currently use and enjoy
You can assess your level of food and emergency readiness by checking your refrigerator and pantry. Do you have supplies that you’ve accumulated but hardly use or that have expired?
In all likelihood, both your 72-hour kit and your long-term food storage share an issue. Merely because a food item has an extended shelf life does not imply that you will eagerly consume it when the need arises. During a genuine crisis, you will require food that your family enjoys readily available.
According to the CDC’s article on ensuring the nutritional value of the food in your emergency kit, the crucial aspect of the selection process is to ensure that you are familiar with the preparation techniques and willing to consume the stored food.
As previously stated, an optimal meal would be one that is rich in protein and nutritious fats.
Mistake #3: Impractical, inconvenient or bulky food
In addition to the issue of unappetizing food, conventional emergency planning also poses a dilemma in terms of packaging. Although large cans might be more cost-effective, they are cumbersome, occupy too much room, and frequently lack a resealable feature. To safeguard the nutrient-rich food your body requires, it is advisable to use portable, compact, and resealable packaging.
Mistake #4: Spending too much on food storage
If you’re considering the possibility of an emergency in the future, it’s simple to allow your fear to overpower you (and your finances). Avoid the error of accruing debt by buying extensive food storage kits in a single go.
Advocates of food storage, including religious institutions and Facebook preparedness communities, advise individuals to avoid taking extreme measures when creating an emergency food reserve. Rather than purchasing a large quantity of items at once or incurring debt, they propose gradually increasing the food supply over time to minimize financial strain.
It is crucial to consider food storage rotation. To prevent food from being wasted, it is recommended to store the food you consume often to ensure that your stock is always fresh and current.
Mistake #5: Food that’s difficult to prepare
Despite good intentions towards food and overall health, busy schedules and convenience often get in the way. In emergency situations, the last thing anyone wants is food that requires a lot of preparation. Therefore, the CDC recommends storing food that doesn’t need cooking or special preparation, emphasizing that the easier (and more nutritionally complete) it is, the better.
