Does sunflower oil go bad?

In this article, we will answer the question “Does sunflower oil go bad?”, how to tell if the vegetable oil has gone bad, how to tell if the vegetable oil is rancid, does vegetable oil go bad after use, how long does vegetable oil last, and how to store vegetable oil.

Does sunflower oil go bad?

Yes, sunflower oil goes bad. It gradually becomes rancid over time. Once the bottle is opened and the seal is broken, the rancidity occurs at a faster pace. If stored correctly, an unopened bottle of sunflower oil can easily last 2 years past the printed date. 

Read on to learn about the storage and shelf-life of vegetable oil since sunflower oil is often labeled as vegetable oil.

How to tell if the vegetable oil has gone bad? 

Off-odor: If the vegetable oil gives off a harsh or paint-like smell instead of its usual neutral smell, it is a sign that the oil has become rancid.

Mold: if you notice mold growing on the surface of the oil, around or the underside of the cap, discard the oil. 

Off-taste: If the vegetable oil develops a pungent, sour, or soapy taste, it is done for.

Appearance: Crystallization and cloudiness in the vegetable oil is a false alarm. This happens when you keep the vegetable oil at low temperatures. You can restore the appearance of such oil by placing it somewhere warm.

How to tell if the vegetable oil is rancid? 

Vegetable oil that has gone rancid will have a paint-like or detergent-like or soap-like taste. Some people may describe it as harsh or sour. Consuming rancid oil does not hurt you but it may have long-term effects on your health.

Does vegetable oil go bad after use? 

No, vegetable oil does not go bad after use. But vegetable oil is usually not favored for refrying. Lard is a better choice in this regard due to its high saturated fat content. 

Used vegetable oil is highly susceptible to rancidity. Exposure to heat reduces its shelf-life. Therefore, used vegetable oil won’t last long. If the oil looks, smells and tastes fine after use, you can reuse it after considering the following factors.

Do not use it to refry a different type of food. If the oil was used to fry fish, using it to make french fries will ruin the taste of the fries. This is because the oil acts as a carrier of flavor.

Never mix the used vegetable oil with the fresh oil. 

There is a limit to reusing vegetable oil. It is recommended to not use it more than 2-3 times to avoid any health risks.

How long does vegetable oil last?

Vegetable oil lasts about 12-18 months. If stored correctly, you can expect it to stay good for at least a couple of months past the best-by date. The following table shows the estimated shelf-life of vegetable oil.

After opening, vegetable oil is best used within 4-6 months. But you can extend its shelf-life by refrigerating it. The following table shows the estimated shelf-life of different types of oil.

How to store vegetable oil?

The general rule of thumb is to keep the vegetable oil somewhere cool, and dark, away from direct or indirect sources of heat such as the stovetop and sunlight. The pantry, a kitchen cabinet, and a fridge are good storage places for vegetable oil.

Other FAQs about Oils  that you may be interested in.

Can I substitute extra virgin oil for vegetable oil?

Can I use olive oil in a cake?

Can I use olive oil instead of sesame oil?

Conclusion 

In this article, we answered the question “Does sunflower oil go bad?”, how to tell if the vegetable oil has gone bad, how to tell if the vegetable oil is rancid, does vegetable oil go bad after use, how long does vegetable oil last, and how to store vegetable oil.

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