Yes, avocado oil does go bad. Here’s what you need to know!
Today, there are so many oils on the market that it can be confusing to know which one to buy. Avocado oil is no exception. It has a high smoke point and tons of health benefits, making it a viable option in your cost-effective kitchen.
Because avocado oil is more expensive than regular vegetable oils, understanding how to store avocado oil, what the avocado oil shelf life is, and how to tell if avocado oil has gone bad is critical in your cost-effective kitchen. We’ll also talk about whether or not it is OK to use expired avocado oil and how to help your oil last longer.
Let’s get started, shall we?
You May Also Like:
- Do Chia Seeds Go Bad?
- How Long Do Blueberries Last? (Plus Freezer Tips)
- How Long Do Deviled Eggs Last In The Fridge?
What Is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil is a fruit oil, not vegetable oil. This oil is made from avocados, which are botanically fruits. Avocado oil has a fruit-like, nutty flavor and high smoking point like peanut oil.
If unrefined, it has a greenish color and a mild avocado-like taste similar to extra virgin olive oil. It’s also good in salads and skincare applications. Though once refined, the color is more yellow than pale green with a milder flavor.
Avocado oil does not have quite the same neutral flavor as canola or vegetable oil.
Tip: If you don’t like avocados or heavy-tasting olive oils, choose a refined avocado oil rather than an unrefined one.
Does Avocado Oil Go Bad?
Avocado oil does not have an indefinite shelf life like honey does and will go rancid quickly if not stored properly. In order to extend its shelf life as much as possible, you need to be sure your avocado oil is properly stored in the pantry or refrigerator. Let me explain.
How To Store Avocado Oil
Avocado oil like other cooking oils will go rancid. It’ll lose its flavor and nutritional benefits over time. Avocado oil doesn’t get moldy so when it goes bad you won’t see visible signs of mold but it will oxidize and turn rancid quickly if not stored properly.
Oxidation refers to the chemical reactions that occur as oils get older. This oxidation causes a loss in quality and nutritional value.
Oils become rancid after oxidation occurs. If your avocado oil is rancid, it has gone bad.
Avocado oils are best stored in an airtight container, away from direct light and in a cool dark place. The pantry or a dark cabinet, if located away from the heat of your stove, is a perfect place. But avocado oil doesn’t have to be stored at room temperature.
Should You Store Avocado Oil In The Refrigerator?
Avocado oils can be stored in the refrigerator as well as at room temperature. When storing avocado oil and other cooking oil in the fridge, they will become cloudy.
The cloudiness is due to the fats in the oil and will go away once the oil gets warm again. As long as the oil isn’t rancid, cloudy avocado oil is perfectly safe to consume.
How Long Does Avocado Oil Last Unopened?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for this one. The length of time unopened avocado oil lasts depends on the quality of the oil, how it was made, and how old it was when you purchased it.
Generally, unopened avocado oil has a fairly long shelf life of 1 to 2 years and if stored properly, will retain its quality until its “Best By”, “Use By” printed date.
How Long Does Avocado Oil Last Once Open?
The length of time avocado will last depends on many food storage factors. For example, avocado oil stored in a dark or opaque bottle will last longer than one stored in a clear bottle. The dark bottle helps keep sunlight away from the oil.
The type of avocado oil, refined or unrefined also makes a difference. Unrefined avocado oil will usually last around 6 months, whereas refined oil can last for around 8 or 9 months.
Your best bet is to follow the below guidelines every time you use the oil, just to ensure it hasn’t oxidized and gone rancid.
How To Tell If Avocado Oil Is Bad?
Avocado oils won’t grow mold like many other foods such as blueberries or meatloaf. But it will smell nasty when it has gone bad. So, the first way to tell if your oil is bad or not is to smell it.
If it has a nasty, pungent, or chemical-like odor, don’t consume it. Get rid of it.
People describe rancid oils as smelling off, like old cleaning products or paint.
It’s a hard smell to describe but you’ll know it once you smell it!
Avocado oils don’t go bad overnight. The oxidation process takes a while. The flavor and quality of the oil will slowly degrade over time.
If after smelling it, you’re still unsure, give it a small taste.
Can Expired Avocado Oil Make You Sick?
Eating rancid oil like avocado oil likely won’t make you sick right away like eating spoiled tuna salad. However, my research shows that oxidized oils have free radicals that may cause health risks down the road.
Additionally, bad oil can ruin the flavor of your meal, costing you time and money. So, it’s best to always make sure your avocado oil is good before each and every use, not just after its expiration date. Here’s how to tell if it’s bad.
Best Uses For Avocado Oils In The Kitchen
- Dressing for salads
- Stir-frying or sauteeing
- Marinades for meats and vegetables
- Drizzled over veggies when roasting
- Dipping sauce for homemade bread
Final Thoughts From Cost-Effective Kitchen
Proper food storage is an essential part of maintaining a cost-effective kitchen so be sure your avocado oil is properly stored. To help your oil last longer, keep it stored away from direct sunlight and heat.
You should always store oil in a dark cabinet or pantry or even in your fridge and if possible, store your oil in a dark, airtight container.
Remember, because of its high smoke point, avocado oil can be used for deep frying but be sure to use a refined one if you’re looking for something more neutral tasting.
Until next time…
Kim
