Peanut Oil is one of the most versatile oils available and has so many uses that it is worth knowing how to store it properly. Peanut oil can be used for frying or as a salad dressing, but its versatility doesn’t end there. It also works well in baked goods like muffins and cakes because of its neutral flavor. Peanut oil can even be used as an ingredient for making peanut butter. And if you’re looking for an alternative to dairy or soy milk, try adding some peanut oil into your coffee instead – it’s delicious! So does peanut oil go bad?
Although it will not last indefinitely, peanut oil has a relatively long shelf life. Like other cooking oils, Peanut oil will be suitable for consumption for months if adequately sealed. However, once the bottle has been opened, the product’s shelf life degrades. Opened peanut oil can last between six to twelve months with proper storage.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether peanut oil goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store peanut oil. We will also highlight a few alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Does Peanut Oil Go Bad Over Time?
Peanut oil can be stored for up to eighteen months in the pantry, but it will have a shorter shelf life once opened. If you haven’t used your peanut oil within six to twelve months of opening it, it’s probably best to discard it. Peanut oil that’s gone bad will have a cloudy appearance and a sour or off-putting smell. However, if your peanut oil is still fresh and has been stored properly, don’t hesitate to use it in your cooking.
Is Peanut Oil Neutral in Flavor?
Peanut oil has a neutral flavor, which means that it won’t alter the taste of your food. This makes it a good choice for frying or baking, as well as salad dressings. Peanut oil can also be used as an ingredient in making peanut butter, and it’s a delicious addition to coffee if you’re looking for an alternative to dairy or soy milk.
How Can You Tell If Peanut Oil Has Gone Bad?
There are many ways to tell if peanut oil has gone bad. The smell is one of the leading indicators. If it smells rancid, putrid, or just plain wrong, you should not use it. You can also determine by its appearance. Peanut oil that looks yellowish or grayish likely isn’t fresh and may be rancid. Finally, peanut oil can go bad by taste. If it tastes sour or different than usual, it is likely not good to consume. So if you have any doubts, it’s best just to throw them away. Better safe than sorry!
How to Properly Store Peanut Oil
After opening, peanut oil can go bad rather quickly, so proper storage is necessary to maintain its shelf life.
- Ensure the cap is on tightly.
- Peanut oil should also be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store in the fridge if you plan to store it for long periods of time. Refrigerating it will help the peanut oil last longer because bacteria don’t grow as fast in colder temperatures.
However, if stored in a warmer, brighter area, it will only last for six months.
If unopened, peanut oil will keep for two to three years. While it isn’t necessary, you can also add a spoonful of citric acid or one vitamin C tablet per gallon of peanut oil. This will act as a preservative and help prevent oxidation.
Does Peanut Oil Go In The Fridge?
No, peanut oil does not need to be stored in the fridge. This is because it doesn’t contain any dairy products or raw meat that will spoil from temperature changes. You can keep it in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry instead. If you prefer your oil chilled, you can refrigerate leftover jars of the peanut oil after they’ve been opened.
Does Peanut Oil Go Bad At Room Temperature?
Yes, peanut oil will go bad at room temperature over time. The exact length of time it takes for the oil to spoil depends on a few factors, such as how much oxygen is present and the room’s temperature. Peanut oil will last longer if stored in a cool, dark place, but it’s still susceptible to going bad eventually, usually in six to twelve months.
Does Peanut Oil Go Bad After Opening?
No, peanut oil can be stored for up to a year if opened. It doesn’t have to be refrigerated, but it should be kept away from light in a cool, dry place. Be sure to keep the cap sealed tightly when not using the container because peanut oil has a high smoke point and can easily catch on fire if allowed into contact with any open flame or direct heat source.
The average shelf life of peanut oil is about two to three years, but you must properly store it to last that long.
Can You Get Sick From Old Peanut Oil?
Yes, you can get sick from eating old peanut oil. The oil can go rancid over time, and that rancidity can make you sick. Furthermore, if the peanut oil has previously been used for frying, there’s a possibility that food particles and germs are present in it, making you sick. If you’re not sure whether or not the oil has gone bad, it’s best not to consume it. Signs that the oil is rancid include a bad smell, a change in color, or a sour taste. If any of those occur, you should either throw the oil away or return it to the store where you bought it to ask for a refund.
Does Peanut Oil Burn?
Yes, peanut oil can burn. Peanut oil has a smoke point of 450°F/230°C which means that it will start to smoke at that temperature. To prevent burning the oil, make sure you’re frying at a low enough temperature and be careful not to let the oil get too hot. Peanut oil is a good choice for frying because it has a high smoke point and doesn’t have a strong flavor, which means that your food won’t taste like peanuts.
Alternatives to Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is not the only kind of cooking oil out there. Many other oils can be used for frying, sautéing, and other types of food preparation.
Nutiva Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a smoke point (350°F), making it suitable to cook almost anything at almost any temperature without degrading the taste or nutritional value of the food. This oil is also a good choice for those with peanut allergies, as it does not contain any traces of peanuts or peanut products. You can find it on Amazon and it comes in a variety of sizes.
Chosen Foods Organic Avocado Oil
Another good option for cooking is avocado oil. It has a smoke point of 520°F and a mild, nutty flavor that goes well with many dishes. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil can be found on Amazon, as well as at several retail stores.
365 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is another popular choice, as it has a smoke point of 374–405°F (190–207°C) and a flavor that enhances the taste of most foods. This brand by Whole Foods Market can be purchased at Whole Foods or Amazon.
Pompeian Grapeseed Oil
Many people choose to use grapeseed oil in their kitchens because it has a very high smoke point (about 420°F) and can be used in most types of cooking. It also contains many healthy compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Find it on Amazon.
La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil
Unrefined sesame oil is another good choice for low-temperature cooking, as it has a smoke point of about 450°F. It also has a strong flavor that can be used in Asian cuisine or to give a boost of flavor to other dishes. It retails for $9.97 for a 16.9 fl. oz. bottle on Amazon.
Related Questions
Does Peanut Oil Freeze?
Yes, you may freeze peanut oil. If you buy it in bulk, freezing peanut oil may be a good option for you. Although you can freeze peanut oil, it is not the ideal storage solution. Peanut oil has an excellent flavor, and many people enjoy using it. Peanut oil has a temperature of 37 degrees F when frozen.
How Do You Dispose Of Peanut Oil After Frying?
If you want to get rid of fried oil, take it to a local recycling center that accepts used cooking oil. Put it in a sealed, non-breakable container and then trash it if you can’t do so.
Can I Substitute Vegetable Oil For Peanut Oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for peanut oil if you’re baking. Vegetable oils, like canola and sunflower seed oil, are suitable substitutes for peanut oil since they also have high smoke points and neutral flavors. You may need to adjust the quantities slightly when substituting them because different oils have different weights, but it’s still perfectly safe to use vegetable oil in place of peanut oil. Peanut oil can also be used to substitute for vegetable oils in salad dressings and marinades, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor.