Most culinary processes in the kitchen cannot be done without vegetable oils. Among the huge number of varieties from different fruits and seeds, sunflower oil remains the most familiar to Russian people.
The specific composition of the oil makes it extremely important and beneficial for the body. Product components such as vegetable fats, vitamins A, D, E, fatty acids help increase immunity, normalize the functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, and improve memory. In addition, sunflower oil does not contain cholesterol, like any other vegetable oil.
The entire range of healing properties characteristic of this product may vary depending not only on the preparation technology, but also on storage conditions. With knowledge of seed processing methods and compliance with certain storage rules, sunflower oil can remain an accessible treasury of vitamins and nutrients for everyone.
How to store different types of sunflower oil at home
According to the composition of the raw materials, vegetable oil can be sunflower, olive, linseed, sesame, coconut, rapeseed, mustard, palm, cedar, almond, etc.
Sunflower oil is one of the most common oils used in the kitchen for preparing various dishes. It contains linoleic acid, vitamins and a complex of fats.
According to the method of purification and processing, sunflower oil is divided into the following types::
- Raw - virgin oil . Sunflower seeds are heated to a temperature of +50°C, pressed, filtered, and poured into containers. It contains useful substances. It has a pleasant smell and taste.
- Unrefined - after filtration, it undergoes rough mechanical purification, after which some of the nutrients are lost. It has a pungent odor and is suitable for use in its pure form - for example, for dressing salads.
- Hydrated - after filtration and mechanical cleaning, it goes through the stage of purification with hot water. After it, the product becomes transparent, without sediment, with a neutral taste and smell.
- Deodorized - light oil, odorless. Cleaned with vacuum devices.
- Refined - purified after mechanical processing, it has a neutral color and odor. Does not contain vitamins. It is used for preparing hot dishes.
Sunflower oil is stored at a temperature of +5...+24°C . The optimal temperature range is from +8 to +17°C. To store the product, choose a cool, dark place, protected from direct sunlight. When exposed to light, vitamins and minerals are destroyed.
Advice. If you keep sunflower oil on the table, pour it into a dark bottle to preserve the beneficial properties of the product.
The shelf life of a sealed bottle is 1.5-2 years . When the original plastic packaging is opened, the product should be used within 1 month. After a month, it is suitable for consumption, but useful substances disappear from it and toxic substances are formed. The taste may become bitter.
Unrefined cold-pressed oil can be stored for 4 months . Hot pressed product - 10 months.
Attention! If the oil becomes cloudy or the taste and smell have changed, it should not be eaten.
The shelf life at home also depends on what product was purchased. When buying it in a store, pay attention to the following nuances :
- Choose packaging without damage. If the seal is broken, the product will not last long.
- Pay attention to the expiration date indicated on the packaging. You should not purchase a product that is almost past its expiration date.
- Do not buy a product standing in the sun. It should be stored in a dark place.
- If the product is cloudy and sediment is visible, then it is not worth purchasing.
When using vegetable oil rarely, purchase small containers so as not to throw away the product. Do not use it for re-frying: after the first use, carcinogens are formed, which give rise to cell mutation and the occurrence of cancerous tumors.
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How to store refined oil
Refined oil is made by completely removing impurities, including beneficial ones . It has a neutral smell and taste and is suitable for frying. Stored in sealed packaging at a temperature of +18...+25°C for up to two years. In an open bottle at a temperature of +18...+25°C - 40 days, at a temperature of 0...+11°C - 110 days.
For storing sunflower oil at home, dark, cool places , protected from direct sunlight: pantries, cabinets with doors, are suitable. Store the product in purchased packaging or pour it into a glass bottle. If the bottle is often standing or stored on the table, then choose a container made of dark glass that does not allow sunlight to pass through.
Once the bottle is opened, the product is used within 4 weeks . Then it begins to oxidize and loses its beneficial qualities. For long-term storage, the product can be frozen, but only once. Frozen oil is stored for no more than one year, then it loses its properties.
Reference. Sunflower oil absorbs odors. To give it the aroma of your favorite seasoning, add it to the bottle.
Storing unrefined oil
After filtration, unrefined oil undergoes rough mechanical cleaning and loses some of its beneficial properties.
It contains healthy fats and vitamins. There are two grades: highest and first. The first grade product may have a slight sediment and a bitter aftertaste. The oil is used in its pure form as a dressing for snacks and salads. In a closed package, the product can be stored at a temperature of +18...+25°C for 1 year . In an open container at a temperature of +18...+25°C - 26 days, at a temperature of 0...+11°C - 44 days. For storage, choose a cool, dark place, protected from direct sunlight. You can store it in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended. If the product is still frozen, then after defrosting it is used only for frying.
After opening, it is advisable to pour the product from a plastic container into a darkened glass bottle with a narrow neck so that less air gets in. Use it for one month. If sediment appears in the bottle and the product becomes bitter, then you should not consume it raw.
Advice. If the product’s shelf life expires and it cannot be used for its intended purpose, the oil can be used for cosmetic purposes by adding it to a cream or mask.
Types of oil and shelf life
Direct cold-pressed sunflower oil is a healthy product for the body. There are several types:
- Hydrated. Heated unrefined oil undergoes hydration (atomization in a hot aqueous environment), as a result of which it becomes transparent and pure, but loses some of its beneficial substances and aroma.
- Refined is the most popular product among housewives. When it is treated with alkali, most useful microelements and impurities are removed. The transparent shade is obtained by bleaching. After deodorization, the product completely loses its taste and aroma. Thanks to cleaning, it can be stored for a long time.
- Crude oil (first pressing) is produced by pressing sunflower seeds at a temperature of 50 °C. After filtering it is bottled. All useful microelements, taste and aroma are preserved, but the shelf life is short, so it is not recommended to store it for the winter.
- Frozen sunflower oil has a light yellow color and is completely transparent. During its production, the freezing process removes wax microparticles that precipitate. There is no smell during frying. Recommended for use in deep frying.
- Unrefined is obtained by filtration of virgin oil and partial mechanical purification. It has average nutrient content. Not used for frying.
Why is sunflower oil stored in the refrigerator?
The optimal temperature for storing the product is from +8 to +17°C , relative air humidity is 60-75%. He does not like direct sunlight, which destroys nutrients and vitamins, and sudden changes in temperature. A cool, dark place is suitable for storage. Do not store it near the stove, heating devices or on the table. Since the product absorbs foreign odors well, it is not placed next to seasonings and spices.
The optimal place for storage is a closed cabinet, lower shelves, where it is cooler , away from the stove.
Advice. If you're used to storing oil on the counter, pour it into a small container to use up to a week in advance.
Does the product need to be stored in the refrigerator? Some housewives believe that there it loses its beneficial properties. Middle and lower shelves, where the temperature is below +5°C, are not suitable for storage . You can keep the product in the vegetable compartment and on the top shelf of the refrigerator (temperature +7...+8°C), but it is inconvenient to place it there.
The refrigerator door maintains a temperature of about +10°C , so it is most suitable for storage. But vegetable oil removed from the refrigerator cannot be left warm for a long time; it must be stored either in a cupboard or in the refrigerator. Temperature changes negatively affect the properties of the product.
Primary requirements
Sunflower oils found on store shelves come in varying degrees of processing, and therefore require different conditions to preserve their beneficial properties for a long time. It should be noted that most often refined and unrefined products fall into the hands of buyers. Moreover, the first type is most often used in cooking, while the second is more suitable for dressing salads, as it has a unique taste and aroma.
These oils, in addition to individual requirements, have general storage recommendations.
- The temperature most suitable for storing oil is from 5 to 20 degrees. Accordingly, there is no need to store it in the cold and near heating devices. Young housewives often wonder whether it is possible to store sunflower oil in the refrigerator? This will be the optimal place for placement. Moreover, it is better if it is the door of the refrigerator compartment, the temperature in it is kept at 8 degrees.
- Regarding the choice of storage containers, it is best to store in the manufacturer’s packaging. If for some reason it needs to be changed, then it is better to give preference to a glass bottle or jar with a sealed lid.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight on oiled products, as it has a detrimental effect on them. If it is not possible to place it in a dark place, then it is better to use a dark glass container and store the butter in it after opening.
In order to preserve the pomace longer, you need to carefully consider the choice of product at the time of purchase. There is no need to take specimens with an expiring expiration date or sediment at the bottom of the container.
Can sunflower or olive oil be stored in a glass bottle?
An excellent container for storing oil is a dark glass bottle with a tight lid , sprayer or dispenser. Another option is a ceramic container with a lid. A clear glass bottle is wrapped in foil.
Metal containers are not suitable for long-term storage. The product purchased in such a container is poured into a glass bottle.
Why you can’t buy and store vegetable oil in plastic bottles
The product is also stored in factory-made plastic bottles . The shelf life in such containers is no more than 1-3 months. For longer storage, it should be poured into a dark glass bottle. Such storage is acceptable for refined oil.
Unrefined or raw oil is poured immediately after purchase into a glass container . It is advisable to completely stop buying oil in plastic containers, because during storage, chemical compounds from plastic that are harmful to human health can transfer into the product.
How to choose the right one when purchasing
The most delicious olive oil is considered to be made in Mediterranean countries - in Italy, Greece or Spain. It differs in taste and color. Greek Olive Seasoning has a honey flavor, golden hue, and a fruity aroma. Spanish is slightly bitter and reminiscent of fresh olives. Oil from Italy has a soft, pleasant aftertaste and a light herbal aroma.
This product is also produced in Turkey, Israel, France, and Syria. The taste and color of olive oil largely depends on the variety of olives and the climate in which they are grown. This product is sold in dark glass bottles or in tin packaging. Plastic containers may contain refined or diluted oil.
This product is used for preparing salads or for frying. Extra virgin oil is sometimes compared to fresh fruit juice. It is pressed mechanically from whole olives. There are no additives or preservatives in it, and the acidity is no higher than 1 percent. This oil is used in ready-made dishes and for salad dressings. You can't fry on it.
Virgin oil is obtained from a second cold press. This product has a pleasant taste and aroma, and acidity is no more than 2 percent. Used for dressing vegetable and fruit salads.
Refined olive oil - refined oil. Meat, fish, and vegetables are usually fried on it. This product does not have the same rich taste and aroma as Virgin oil. Acidity should not exceed 3 percent. Manufacturers often write on the label what their product is intended for. When buying olive seasoning, you should always look at the production date. Unlike wine, over time such a product loses its valuable properties. Typically, the best quality olive oil has a shelf life of 18 months.
It is completely impossible to see the color of a product in a dark glass bottle. You can only examine the oil at home by opening the cap. A quality product has a golden color. If the seasoning is greenish or gray, it is made from overripe olives.
Things to remember when buying olive oil in the supermarket:
- Before you buy the gas station you like, you need to study the entire range;
- a quality salad dressing should be in a dark glass bottle;
- It’s better not to take a product that was bottled more than a year ago;
- the manufacturer and packer must be located in the same country;
- It’s better not to react to a promotion; usually in this way they try to sell a product with an expiration date that is approaching the end.
If you initially purchased a product of poor quality, then there is no point in taking care of its safety. You should always remember that good olive oil is expensive, and it is sold in branded tinted glass bottles.
Ways to extend shelf life
To extend the shelf life of the product at home, use folk recipes.
Add one of the components (optional) to an open bottle (1 l):
- 3-4 pcs. dry beans;
- 1-2 bay leaves;
- 2 tsp. salt.
The oil is not stirred. Close and put away in a cool, dark place. The shelf life increases by 2-3 months.
Is it possible to store vegetable oil in the cold? To extend the shelf life it is frozen . Only refined products can be frozen. Frozen product is stored for 1 year. It cannot be re-frozen.
To freeze the product, it is poured into plastic bottles or food bags with a zipper. Then put it in the freezer. A good quality product does not harden at sub-zero temperatures, but becomes thick and lighter.
The diluted product freezes and becomes covered with an ice crust . Frozen oil is used in cooking, for dressing salads, and is also used for preparing cosmetics.
How to choose the right one
When purchasing, in addition to the price, you need to look at the appearance of the oil, the integrity of the packaging, expiration date, composition, and only after making sure of its quality, purchase it.
A few rules for a successful purchase:
purchase only in dark places, counters should be as far as possible from direct sunlight; a product that has been in the store for a long time and is close to its expiration date may have a bitter taste and be harmful to health; The color of the product should also be taken into account; the presence of cloudiness indicates that the product has deteriorated.
Before making a choice, it is recommended to decide on the intended purpose of the product. Also, when choosing, it is worth studying the information on the label, since many manufacturers use advertising tricks to lure customers and increase sales. For example, the inscription “does not contain cholesterol” is one of them, since it cannot be found in vegetable fats. And the content of vitamin E, as the label on the package sometimes says, is also absurd, since it is present in all types of vegetable oil.
Unrefined
Suitable for making salads and cold appetizers, as it contains a large number of useful components due to the absence of further processing after cleaning. It has a pleasant taste and aroma. Over time, it does not precipitate and does not acquire bitterness.
Refined
It is used exclusively for frying; it is not advisable to consume it in its raw form. Due to complete cleaning, it may contain various impurities that form sediment and negatively affect the taste. It is not characterized by a pronounced odor, but has a pleasant taste and bright shade.
Raw
Crude sunflower oil is purified only from large mechanical impurities. It is not stored for long and cannot boast of an attractive appearance, but it is endowed with a lot of healing properties. It is used for making sauces, salads, and the taste is distinctly reminiscent of sunflower seeds.
Hydrated
It has a distinct taste and aroma. Produced by pre-cleaning and hydration. It is heated, passed through warm water in a spray state and left for some time. Proteins and other mucilaginous components precipitate, and the resulting hydrated oil is collected from the surface.
Frozen
This type of product has been frozen to extract the natural wax that gives the oil its cloudiness. Such a product loses almost all its beneficial properties and is a mixture of triglycerides, but retains its original transparency. Does not foam or smoke when heated. It has no taste or smell, but has a long shelf life and good presentation. It is recommended for use by people on a dietary diet.
Is it possible to freeze Vegetable Oil?
freezing technology (winterization), when vegetable wax is removed from the oil. -That's for sure.
Maybe someone from the knowledgeable forum members can tell me how freezing affects the unsaponifiable fraction of the oil? I wonder if freezing and defrosting affects the cosmetic properties of oils rich in neon. faction? Or is it better to just store them in the refrigerator?
I would be very grateful and judging by the questions above, I’m not the only one
