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How Long Does Coconut Oil Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Coconut oil, also known as copra oil, is extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, different from oils extracted out of vegetable seeds like Crisco shortening and Canola oil.

It is edible and has multiple uses, from using it as cooking oil to using it as hair oil. Many dishes in southeast Asian cuisine use coconut oil as one of the main ingredients.

Due to the high content of saturated fat in coconut oil, health experts advise against the overconsumption of this oil.

However, because of the same reason, oxidation of this oil is very slow and keeps the oil fit for consumption for a long period.

Oxidation of coconut oil is slow, and it is rancidification-resistant, so does coconut oil go bad?

Ingesting spoiled coconut oil can lead to food poisoning. How long can coconut oil last before it becomes unsafe for human consumption?

In this article, we shall talk about the shelf life of coconut oil and how to tell if it has gone bad.

Does Coconut Oil Go Bad? How Long Does Coconut Oil Last?

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Coconut oil does go bad and causes serious health concerns if ingested. You should know how long this oil can last to avoid those problems.

Coconut oil processed from the kernel or copra is known as refined coconut oil, whereas oil extracted from the flesh of the coconut are virgin coconut oil, and it retains the smell and flavor of the coconut.

According to Skinny&Co., raw coconut oil can last up to two years if we don’t add any contaminants to it, whether intentionally or not. This duration may differ depending on whether the oil is refined coconut oil or virgin coconut oil.

Coconut oil processed from the kernel or copra is known as refined coconut oil, whereas oil extracted from the flesh of the coconut are virgin coconut oil, and it retains the smell and flavor of the coconut.

According to Dennis Minger, refined and odorless coconut oil can last for around eighteen months before signs of spoilage start to show.

However, virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil can last for several years without spoiling. This long duration is because of its high fat saturation, which has anti-oxidizing properties.

Experts state that refined coconut oil can last only two to three months past its expiration date; but, virgin coconut oil can last indefinitely.

Coconut oil does contain some unsaturated fats due to which it can go bad. Storing the oil in the fridge or freezer after opening can keep the oil fit for consumption for a long time. You should store unopened coconut oil bottles in dark places.

How to Tell If Coconut Oil Is Bad? Coconut Oil Shelf Life!

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Applying spoiled coconut oil, can cause a breakout of bumps and fungal lesions on the skin.

So the effects inside the body could be much worse. It is important to know when coconut oil has gone bad.

They have given us some signs which show that the coconut oil has turned stale and unusable:

  • When the oil starts to turn yellow, there are high chances that it has expired.
  • Chunky pieces in the oil are also a sign of spoilage. Edible coconut oil is supposed to be smooth.
  • Black spots on the container show the first signs of mold growth. It is best to discard the oil once this starts to appear.
  • The sour scent of the oil is not normal. Refined coconut oil has no smell, and virgin coconut oil has a sweet coconut smell.
  • The last option is to taste the oil, and if it tastes sour, the oil has gone bad.

Conclusion

Coconut oil has many uses, as mentioned before, with a lot of health benefits, and it can last for a very long time. We can now get coconut oil spread usable in the same ways as butter or margarine.

The adverse impact of ingesting spoiled coconut oil is not well-known, but you wouldn’t want to be one of the few people who get coconut oil poisoning.

As long as you keep the signs on bad coconut oil in mind, you do not have to worry a lot. After all, coconut oil has more benefits than you expected.

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Does Coconut Oil Go Bad? How Long Does Coconut Oil Last?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Coconut oil
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Check the u0022Best-by-dateu0022 to know when it expires.
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @EatDelights or tag #eatdelights!

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