Globally, coconut oil is a preferred cooking oil and a common ingredient in health foods.
It’s high in medium-chain fatty acids, which are essential for good health and help keep skin moisturized.
However, coconut oil is also prone to spoilage.
The key to preventing this from happening is proper storage.
If you don’t take care of your coconut oil, it could turn rancid, resulting in an unpleasant odor or taste.
Here’s what you need to know about how to prevent coconut oil from going bad.
Keep reading to find out more!
Can coconut oil go bad if it’s not refrigerated?
The short answer is yes.
Refrigerating coconut oil will extend its shelf life, but it won’t make it last forever.
The longer you leave coconut oil in the fridge, the shorter its shelf life becomes.
If you have some leftover coconut oil from a previous batch, you may be tempted to use it up right away.
This is fine, as long as you remember to store it properly after opening it.
Otherwise, you might end up with spoiled coconut oil that smells rancid or tastes bitter.
Keep in mind that even though coconut oil doesn’t go bad by itself, it’s still possible to ruin it by mishandling it.
So, here are tips on how to avoid spoiling your coconut oil.
How long does coconut oil last unrefrigerated?
According to the USDA National Nutrient Database, coconut oil can stay fresh for up to six months at room temperature (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
When you buy coconut oil, it should come in a clear glass bottle with a screw cap.
You should also see “organic,” “extra virgin,” or “virgin” on the label.
Can you tell if coconut oil has gone bad?
It’s difficult to detect whether coconut oil has gone bad without actually tasting it.
However, there are some signs you can look for if you want to be extra cautious.
- A strong smell of mold or mildew
- An unpleasant odor or taste
- Lumps or hard pieces of solidified fat
- Colored areas on the surface of the oil
- White spots inside the oil
What are the signs that coconut oil has gone bad?
One common sign of coconut oil going bad is when the oil starts to thicken and form lumps.
If you notice these changes, you should discard all of the oil and start over.
Another sign that your coconut oil has gone bad is when you notice a strong smell of mold or mildew.
Moldy coconut oil will often have a greenish tinge, too.
Other signs include a cloudy appearance, discoloration, and hardened chunks of solidified fat.
Is it safe to eat coconut oil that has gone bad?
While coconut oil isn’t necessarily dangerous to eat, it can still contain harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause illness.
As such, you should never consume rancid coconut oil.
If you suspect that your coconut oil has gone bad, throw it out immediately.
You can pour it down the drain if you’re unsure where else to put it.
How long does coconut oil last if refrigerated?
Since coconut oil is high in saturated fats, it’s important to keep it cold to extend its shelf life.
If you place your container of coconut oil in the refrigerator, it should last for several months.
Even though coconut oil is high in saturated fat, it’s still relatively low in calories.
It’s also very rich in vitamins E and K1, both of which are necessary for good health and longevity.
What is the best way to store coconut oil?
To ensure that your coconut oil stays fresh, you must keep it cool and dark.
Ideally, you should store it in the refrigerator.
But if you want to keep your coconut oil at room temperature, you should cover it with a lid while it’s in direct sunlight.
If it gets too hot, the oil will become rancid much faster than usual.
You can also keep your coconut oil in the freezer to extend its lifespan further.
Just make sure that the container you choose is made specifically for storing frozen items.
Can coconut oil go bad if it’s exposed to air?
As mentioned earlier, coconut oil is prone to spoilage.
But there are ways to prevent this from happening.
First, do not leave any open containers of coconut oil out in the sun.
If you do, they can quickly become rancid.
Second, make sure that your coconut oil is fully sealed before placing it back into the refrigerator.
Even if the seal looks intact, it’s best to check it again before using it.
Third, always keep your coconut oil in the refrigerator.
If you want to keep it at room temperature, you can place it in a cooler bag or plastic bag.
Finally, you should not reuse old coconut oil unless you have no other choice.
Doing so can lead to bacterial growth and cause your coconut oil to spoil faster.
How long does coconut oil last if refrigerated?
Once you’ve purchased coconut oil, you should try to keep it in the refrigerator until you’ve used it all.
When you reach the end of the jar, simply transfer the remaining oil to another container and replace the lid.
If you’re keeping your coconut oil at room temperature, you can follow the same procedure, but just make sure that you keep it in a cooler bag or plastic bag to protect it from direct sunlight.
Can coconut oil go bad if it’s exposed to air?
Yes, coconut oil can go bad if it’s exposed to air, especially if you leave it out in the heat for extended periods of time.
If you’re concerned about the quality of your coconut oil, you should keep it in the refrigerator whenever possible.
How long does coconut oil last once opened?
After you open a new container of coconut oil, you should wait at least two weeks before using it.
After that, you can use it within one month.
If you want to keep your coconut oil in the fridge for longer, you can transfer it to a smaller container with a tight-fitting lid.
Then, you can transfer it to a larger container with a loose-fitting lid when you’re ready to use it.
The texture and flavor of coconut ice cream are rich, creamy, and coconutty. For a delicious dessert, use the recipe below.
Can coconut oil go bad if it’s exposed to air?
Yes, coconut oil can go bad if it’s left outside for too long.
This is because the oil has a high concentration of natural sugars.
These sugars attract moisture, which causes them to ferment and produce alcohol.
If you’re worried about the quality of your coconut oil, then you should keep it in the refrigerator at all times.
Coconut Ice Cream Recipe: The Perfect Summer Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 canfull-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the milk and cream of coconut in the container of a food processor or blender, and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in cream and flaked coconut.
- Pour into the container of an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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