Whether you use it for your hair, skin, or cooking, coconut oil is a must-have. Nonetheless, its shelf life is limited, as is the case with all oils. When stored correctly, it has a rather long shelf life of around three years.
Coconut oil is a versatile substance with a wide range of applications. Coconut oil may be used as a natural deodorant, a skin moisturiser, a cooking oil, and even as a hair treatment. While a supply in reserve is always prudent, did you ever wonder if coconut oil had a shelf life? It's hard to say. You may want to think twice before pulling out that neglected bottle from the back of the closet. The coconut has a lengthy shelf life, which is great, but there are still a few things you should know before you swirl it about your mouth or put it in your coffee.
If you want to avoid waste and problems, you should learn how long coconut oil lasts and what signs to look for to determine whether it has gone bad.
Can coconut oil spoil?
Coconut oil, like other edibles, has a shelf life. You should have plenty of time before that happens because it is built to withstand a lot of abuse. When kept under ideal conditions, the shelf life of unrefined virgin coconut oil can reach three years. On the other hand, once the jar or bottle of refined coconut oil is opened, it should be consumed within 18 months.
The question is why coconut oil spoils?
Coconut oil typically spoils after being exposed to oxygen and light. This leads to oxidation, a process in which the oil's fatty acid chains break down to produce free radicals.
Highly reactive chemicals known as free radicals are known to cause cell damage and may raise the risk of illnesses including malignancies and cardiovascular disease. When oils, such as coconut oil, are improperly kept, they can get rancid and acquire an unpleasant odour and taste. Rancidity is caused by primarily these factors – elements of water, light, heat, metal, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Keep your coconut oil in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh and extend its shelf life.
If the oil's expiration date is missing or you just want to be sure, you can use your senses to determine its freshness.
Smell
Virgin coconut oil should have a distinct aroma of coconut to indicate its freshness, while a rancid scent indicates it has gone bad. Do you detect a sour, musty, or painty odour? In this scenario, throw it away. But, keep in mind that refined oil shouldn't smell like coconuts.
Appearance
The colour of pure coconut oil should be very pale yellow or white. It's probably past its prime if it's become darker, has a peculiar tint, or is clouded with floating black or other coloured particles. Likewise, it could be home to a colony of harmful organisms.
Texture
Depending on whether you keep it at room temp or in the fridge, fresh coconut oil will be a liquid or a solid. A liquid should feel thick and shiny if at all possible. There shouldn't be any bumps or divots if it's solid. When your oil starts to get gritty, runs or tastes like curdled milk, it's time to throw it out.
Taste
You may sample the somewhat sweet and nutty flavour with only a little lick.
