Peanut oil is not only used in cooking, but it also serves as a primary component in a range of beauty and household items.
But what happens when peanut oil goes bad?
Is there any way to know if it’s spoiled before it goes rancid?
Does peanut oil go bad?
Peanut oil doesn’t spoil as quickly as other oils.
It doesn’t have a high smoke point either.
But it can become rancid and unusable if it’s exposed to air, light or heat.
If you buy peanut oil and don’t use it within a few months, you may want to toss it.
The shelf life of peanut oil is about six years, but its quality starts deteriorating after three years.
How long does peanut oil last?
Peanut oil is best stored at room temperature (70 degrees Fahrenheit) with no exposure to sunlight or heat sources.
You shouldn’t refrigerate it because this will accelerate its deterioration.
If you keep peanut oil in a cool place, such as in the refrigerator, it will last longer than if you leave it on the countertop.
However, if you leave peanut oil out in direct sunlight or near a heating source, it will start to deteriorate faster.
Once peanut oil becomes rancid, it loses its nutritional value and its ability to be used in food preparation.
Rancid peanut oil will smell strongly, and it will likely turn brown, black or greenish-yellow.
What are the signs that peanut oil has gone bad?
There are several ways that peanut oil can indicate that it’s starting to go bad.
These include:
If you notice these changes, it’s time to throw out the peanut oil and replace it with new.
How can you tell if peanut oil is rancid?
To test peanut oil for rancidity, pour some into a glass dish and put it in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Then take the peanut oil out and let it sit at room temperature for another 15 minutes.
After 30 minutes, check the peanut oil again.
If it smells strongly, has lost its shine and has separated into two layers, then it’s rancid.
How can you prevent peanut oil from going bad?
Keep peanut oil in a dark, cool place.
Store it away from bright lights and heat sources, and make sure you always keep it in a tightly sealed container.
And if you notice that the peanut oil is getting too old, discard it immediately.
How should you store peanut oil?
Store peanut oil in a cool, dark place.
Ideally, you want to keep it somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don’t refrigerate it because this will speed up the process of rancidity.
Keep peanut oil in a closed container.
Is it safe to use rancid peanut oil?
Yes, you can use rancid peanut oil in recipes.
As long as you follow the proper storage guidelines, you won’t do any harm by using it.
What does rancid peanut oil taste like?
Rancid peanut oil has a strong, unpleasant odor.
When you open a jar, you’ll notice that the oil inside is solidified.
This means that it’s rancid.
When you cook with rancid peanut oil, it will create off flavors and cause a chemical reaction that makes the food taste bitter.
You may even get sick if you ingest rancid peanut oil.
In addition to causing health problems, rancid oil can damage your skin and hair.
So, if you think that you’ve accidentally bought rancid peanut oil, discard it immediately.
How can you tell if peanut oil is still good?
You can tell whether or not peanut oil is good by smelling it.
Open a jar and sniff the oil.
If it smells fresh, it’s good.
If it smells rancid, it’s bad.
What are the consequences of using rancid peanut oil?
Rancid peanut oil is extremely dangerous.
It can cause serious physical and mental illnesses.
Ingesting it could lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
It can also affect your heart and blood pressure.
If you eat rancid peanut oil, you run the risk of developing kidney failure and liver disease.
People who work with peanut oil, such as bakers and chefs, are especially vulnerable.
They may develop lung disease from breathing in the fumes of rancid peanut oil.
If you suspect that you ingested rancid peanut oil, call 911 right away and see your doctor.
How can you tell if peanut oil is still good?
You can tell if peanut oil is still good by checking its expiration date.
Most peanut oil comes in a clear bottle with a printed expiration date on the side.
If the date hasn’t passed yet, then the peanut oil is safe to use.
If the peanut oil has expired, it’s time to throw it out and purchase new.
Peanut-Oil-Fried Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 apricot jam
- 1 garlic
- 1 chili flakes
- ½ chicken broth
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- kosher salt
- 1 tbsp peanuts
- 4 cups peanut oil
- 24 chicken wings
Instructions
- Bring apricot jam to a low simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the broth, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Increase the heat to medium and simmer the mixture until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add cilantro, soy sauce, and peanut butter.
- Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce has the thickness of a thick dip. Remove from heat and, if preferred, season with salt.
- Add more cilantro and peanuts as a garnish.
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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