Peanut oil is popular for its health benefits and crunchy flavor. Peanut oil is usually used for baking, frying and cooking all around the world. Many cooks use peanut oil for deep frying. In this article we will discuss storing peanut oil and its shelf life.
Also, we will tell you how to notice if your peanut oil has gone bad. Continue reading and you will find out, but first we will tell you something more about peanut oil.
More about Peanut Oil
There are two main types of peanut oil: refined peanut oil and gourmet peanut oil. Refined peanut oil is often used in fast food chains in the U.S. Peanuts go through a refining process, so the allergic protein components are removed from the peanuts. This type of oil is especially good for those people who have peanut allergy. The other type of peanut oil is gourmet oil, which doesn’t go through a refining process. This oil gives a peanut aroma and flavor to the food.
Peanut oil has many health benefits for people. It is rich in unsaturated fats and it contains only a few saturated fats. Also, peanut oil is high in vitamin E and phytosterols that have many heart benefits. Peanut oil doesn’t contain cholesterol and trans fats and it is very beneficial for people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Good side of peanut oil is that this oil doesn’t absorb any flavor from foods that are cooked in it, so it is possible to save and reuse the oil.
Also, peanut oil has a clean taste and high smoking point, so it doesn’t spoil quickly. More about the shelf life of peanut oil you will see below.
What Is The Shelf Life of Peanut Oil?
The shelf life of peanut oil depends on the best before date and on the way of the storage. The shelf life of peanut oil is similar to other types of oil. It means that peanut oil lasts quite a long time, if it is stored properly. Peanut oil tends to last longer than its best before date, but it does go bad after certain period of time.
If peanut oil is unopened, it can last for up to 3 years if you store it in the pantry. When you open the peanut oil, you should store it in the fridge. This way, it will also stay fresh for about 3 years. But, if you keep the opened container of peanut oil in the pantry, then it will last only two years, but it depends on the quality of the oil. If you combine the peanut oil with some other oils, then its shelf life will be much longer.
However, if you use pure peanut oil, it is best to use it before the expiration date.
Can We Reuse the Peanut Oil?
You can use the peanut oil several times within the storage period of six months, but it is recommendable to sterilize the oil before each additional use. You should allow the oil to reach 350 degrees F before you add any food. When you use the peanut oil for cooking in fryolators then it is best to use it only three or four times because in this case peanut oil can also take on the flavor of other foods and lose the quality.
How To Tell If Peanut Oil Has Gone Bad?
It is quite easy to tell if peanut oil has gone bad. As many other oils, peanut oil also changes in color, texture and clarity. When fats in peanut oil go rancid, then the oil goes bad and it has an unpleasant odor. If you notice any of these signs, you should toss your peanut oil out.
Which Are the Best Peanut Oil Substitutes?
If you choose a peanut oil substitute for deep frying, then you should choose an oil that has a higher smoke point. The smoke point is actually the temperature at which the oil begins smoking. Oils that have higher smoke points than peanut oil are corn oil, soybean oil, canola oil or sunflower oil. If you need the oil for low-heat cooking, then you can substitute the peanut oil with any vegetable oil. For example, you can use an olive oil, which is very healthy.
