How to store oil in winter seasons

How to store oil in winter seasons

The cold temperature in the winter season has a bad effect on many things including oils. The reason is often the storage area and method of storage. By knowing how winter affects the oil, you can implement good oil storage practices for the should season. Be it any kind of oil, such as sunflower or almond oils, proper storage is essential for the right outcome.

Source of oil

All cooking and edible oils are derived from seeds, nuts, and fruits such as olives and coconuts, corn, legumes including peanuts and soybeans, nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds such as canola, and sunflower. As a result, techniques for ensuring the freshness and natural flavour of these oils vary.

Exposure to oxygen, light or heat will cause the oil to be subject to oxidation, eventually making it rancid. Hence generally, all oils used for cooking should have tight seals and you must store the. away from any heat or sunlight, preferably in a dark pantry and away from direct exposure to unhealthy conditions.

Indicators of improper oil storage

An unpleasant odour or taste means oil is no longer desirable for consumption.

A smell or taste of alcohol may indicate that you didn’t store the oil properly.

A metallic taste indicates that you stored the oil in a reactive metal container

Note if there is mould around the seal

Steps to Store Cooking Oil

For a longer shelf life for your oils, there are things to look out for, such as heat, air, and light. Furthermore, exposure to these elements can speed up the breakdown and oxidation process of oils. Therefore, ensure longevity by following tips such as:

Avoid storing cooking oil in iron or copper utensils

Do not store oil in a container made of iron or copper as these metals react chemically when they come in contact with oil and make it unsafe for use. Use a glass vessel instead.

Store the oil in a cool, dark place

Another step to give longevity to cooling oil is not to keep oil near or on the stove. Frequent temperature changes will spoil the oil. The same applies to sunlight, thus keep the container in a cool and dark place.

Use the right container for storage

A third step is to keep the container lid tightly closed when you are not using it. One of the main reasons oils go rancid is because of exposure to too much oxygen.

Store the oil in a glass container with a tight lid

Fourthly, transfer the oil from the packaged bottle to a glass container, preferably a dark one. Sunlight degrades the quality of the oil, and a dark-coloured bottle will help prevent this from happening.

Do not use plastic utensils

Avoid storing oil in plastic containers as plastic releases chemicals over time and if it does, it will affect the overall flavour of the oil. If your oil came in a plastic bottle, transfer it to a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.

Know which oils are best at room temperature

Importantly, some cooking oils are best stored at room temperature, thus store accordingly. Refined peanut oil and vegetable oil will last for years if stored properly, while olive oil will last for months.

Know which oils are best in the fridge

It’s highly important to know that some cooking oils go rancid if not kept in a cool place. Refrigeration keeps these oils fresh for longer. However, most oils become cloudy and thick after refrigeration. Corn oil, safflower oil and sesame oil need refrigeration.