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Does Canola Oil Go Bad?How Long Does It Last?

Does Canola Oil Go Bad

We all have oils in our kitchens that we use in our baking, cooking, and snack preparations. There are many oils on the market today that all have different benefits, which is exciting.

One of the most affordable and accessible oils around today is canola oil. The oil’s light flavor and flexibility make it a perfect oil to have on hand. However, we might worry that canola oil can go bad.

 

Does Canola Oil Go Bad?

Since oils are made from plants and seeds, they do go rancid, and canola oil is no exception. Canola oil is made from the canola plant, and although it is healthier than most vegetable oils, it doesn’t last as long as some of them.

Therefore, you must know when your canola oil has gone bad so that you won’t use it in your dishes since it can make your meals taste rancid, too.

However, there are ways to store your canola oil so that its shelf life is maximized. If stored correctly, you will be able to enjoy your canola oil for up to a year. Canola oil isn’t too sensitive to temperatures, making it easy to store in the fridge or in your pantry.

 

How Long Does Canola Oil Last?

How Long Does Canola Oil Last

Canola oil can last very well if you store it correctly. If it is unopened, you can enjoy your canola oil for up to six months past the best by date. The reason for this is that while the oil is sealed, there is no oxidation process.

However, once you open your bottle of canola oil, it starts to decrease in quality, and the shelf life will be much shorter. An open bottle of canola oil can last for anything between six and twelve months if kept in cool conditions.

If you live in a very humid place with high temperatures, you can keep your canola oil in the fridge. It will keep well in the fridge for up to a year. If you prefer to keep your canola oil in the pantry, you will find that it can last for up to six months before showing signs of being rancid.

How Long Does Canola Oil Last?

In the pantry In the fridge
Unopened Best by date plus 6 months Best by date plus 12 months
Opened 6 months 12 months

 

4 Tips to Tell if Canola Oil has Gone Bad

How to Tell if Canola Oil has Gone Bad

It is excellent if you know how to tell if canola oil has gone bad, because then you won’t be in a situation where you cook with rancid oil, making your food taste unpleasant.

You might have bought a large container of canola oil or found a forgotten bottle and now you just aren’t sure if it is still suitable for consumption. Here are 4 ways to tell if your canola oil has gone bad:

  • Examine your canola oil

Canola oil is a bright yellow oil. If you find that your canola oil has experienced some discoloration and is now a darker shade, it is best not to use it anymore since it isn’t fresh.

In addition, if you find that your canola oil has become cloudy, you shouldn’t use any more of it. Lastly, any sign of contamination in your oil tells you that the oil isn’t suitable for use anymore.

If you spot mold or organic growth in or around the bottle, the time has come to get fresh canola oil. Although consuming rancid canola oil won’t make you sick, it will spoil the taste of your dishes.

  • Smell your canola oil

Canola oil has a very light aroma that isn’t overwhelming. So if you smell your canola oil and it smells intense and unpleasant, you shouldn’t use it anymore since your canola oil has gone past its best.

It is best to trust your instinct when it comes to food products. If the aroma doesn’t seem fresh anymore, it is best to discontinue use.

  • Has the oil’s density changed?

Canola oil isn’t as thick as lots of vegetable oils, and it is very easily poured. Therefore, if you find that your canola oil has become very thick and hard to get out of the bottle, your canola oil isn’t fresh anymore. Canola oil is made up of fatty compositions that can be altered as time passes. Once that happens the oil won’t be fresh anymore.

  • Taste the oil

Canola oil is a very popular oil because it doesn’t have an overpowering taste. However, if you taste your canola oil and it is unpleasant or rancid tasting, your canola oil isn’t fresh anymore.

If you find that your canola oil doesn’t perform well anymore when used in cooking or baking, it is best to buy a fresh supply since continuing with the low-quality oil will only lead to dishes that are burnt.

 

2 Tips to Store Canola Oil

Canola oil can last for a long time if you keep it away from heat sources and moisture. By storing your canola oil properly, you will be able to enjoy it for months to come.

You have a choice of storing your canola oil in your pantry or your fridge. Both are good options since canola oil can keep well in and out of the refrigerator. Let’s look at how to best store your canola oil in the pantry and the fridge:

  • Storing your canola oil in the pantry

Canola oil can last very well in your pantry if you keep it away from direct sunlight. It is best to keep it in a cool place, like a cupboard in your pantry. You should also keep it away from heat elements like your oven or your stove since the heat can dramatically decrease the quality of the oil.

To keep your canola oil fresh for as long as possible, it is recommended that you transfer your oil to a dark or amber-colored bottle to help prevent the oxidation process from occurring quickly. Make sure that the bottle is clean and completely dry before you place your canola oil in it because an unclean bottle can lead to bacterial contamination and make your oil rancid.

  • Storing your canola oil in your fridge

If you live in scorching conditions or in a place that has very high humidity, you might prefer keeping your canola oil in your fridge. Canola oil keeps very well in the refrigerator, and keeping it in such cool and constant conditions can make it last much longer.

If you choose to keep your canola oil in the fridge, be sure to return it to the refrigerator after using it because keeping it in and out of the refrigerator can affect the quality of your canola oil. If you keep your canola oil in the fridge, it isn’t necessary to put it in a dark bottle.

Instead, you can store it in the container it came in. However, you must make sure that you always close the container before you put it in the fridge, as moisture can decrease the quality of your canola oil.

 

The Risk of Consuming Expired Canola Oil

Expired canola oil that has become rancid will change the way your cooking and baking tastes. Therefore you shouldn’t use canola oil if it shows any signs of being rancid. If you are in doubt, it is best to buy fresh canola oil.

Luckily, making your food taste strange will be the only downside to consuming bad canola oil. You won’t get sick from it. Only people who have very sensitive digestive systems might experience some abdominal discomfort after consuming rancid canola oil.

However, scientists warn against the overconsumption of canola oil, stating that although consuming canola oil in moderate amounts has no health effects, consuming too much of it can be problematic. The overconsumption of canola oil has been linked to heart disease, strokes, inflammation, and impaired memory functions.

 

Can You Freeze Canola Oil?

Although you can freeze canola oil, it isn’t recommended. Freezing canola oil alters the structure and fat composition of the oil and dramatically decreases the quality of canola oil. The main reason why people freeze products is primarily to extend the shelf life of the products.

However, by freezing your canola oil, you won’t extend the shelf life at all. Instead, you will only decrease the quality. If you live in a hot place and are worried about how the heat or humidity will affect your canola oil, keep it in the fridge, but not the freezer. If you live in a place that isn’t too humid or too hot, you can keep your canola oil in your pantry without any problems.

 

Summary

Canola oil is a very versatile oil that makes it perfect for cooking and baking. It is also very affordable, and it lasts well in your fridge and pantry, making it a great addition to any kitchen. In addition, knowing how to store your canola oil correctly will not have to worry about whether your canola oil has gone bad.

Resources

  1. Does Canola Oil Go Bad? Shelf Life and Expiration of Canola
  2. Does Canola Oil Go Bad? Storage, Shelf Life, Spoilage
  3. Does Canola Oil Go Bad? How Long Does Canola Oil Last?
  4. Canola Oil Shelf Life: How Long Does Canola Oil Last?
  5. Canola Oil: Expiration Date, Proper Storage, and Other Important Facts

 

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