What happens when your bottle of sesame oil passes its best-by date? Does it go bad?
If you are finding answers to these questions, then you are reading the right article. And to start with, sesame oil does go bad but have a different set of signs than other oils.
Sesame oil adds lots of flavors to your recipes, but most people only use it for a handful of them.
The point is, sesame oil does lose its qualities after long storage periods, and many of you might want to know when it becomes useless.
So, how long does sesame oil last? Well, you might want to continue reading as we spill the beans for you.
What’s even better is that we will guide you to its shelf life, storage, and the signs to look for in determining a bad sesame oil bottle in your kitchen.
Does Sesame Oil Go Bad? How Long Does Sesame Oil Last?
Like peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil, sesame seeds oil does come with a best before date.
However, you can assume that it can pass the best-by date with ease, but whether it will retain the quality for long depends on how you stored the sesame oil.
If you follow a reasonably well storage practice, sesame oil may outlast its best-by date even by months, and more often retaining all the goodness in it. According to experts, toasted sesame oil lasts longer than the regular ones.
Tip: Original packaging also enhances the shelf life of the oil, and keeping it airtight further ensures the quality.
However, an opened bottle of sesame oil can impact its shelf life, which allows fresh air to speed up the oxidation process inside the bottle.
The oil retains the quality for roughly two to four months, depending on certain conditions.
You may find your oil smelly, but it doesn’t mean that your oil has gone rancid. Some people do find it annoying and toss them out for a new one.
In most cases, smelly sesame oil still retains its taste and is completely safe to consume.
The best place to store your sesame oil is in a cool and dark place. This storage guideline remains the same for all the varieties of sesame oil.
You may want to keep your sesame oil away from direct sunlight, and a dark cabinet in your pantry is a perfect place to start.
Tip: Never store your sesame oil in a place where the temperature fluctuates.
How to Tell if Sesame Oil is Bad? Sesame Oil Shelf Life!
Most oils don’t exhibit usual signs of spoilage, such as color changes, sediments on the bottom, or have mold. However, if you find some of these signs in your sesame oil bottle, it would be best if you toss it out.
The major concern is for the oil to go rancid, which is a reaction that follows after your oil comes in contact with air or bacteria.
You may experience unpleasant odor and sometimes bitter taste, and in worst cases, both. It is safe to consume rancid oil, but that would not be a pleasant experience.
Below are some of the signs to look out for to determine the quality of your sesame oil:
- Sesame oil is known for its nutty flavor, and if you don’t smell that anymore, it’s better to get rid of your oil.
- The taste becomes bitter after an open bottle passes two months from the best-by date.
Tip: When you buy sesame oil, it would be best if you consider buying a smaller bottle rather than a big one.
A smaller bottle means less interaction with air and quick consumption as a whole.
Does Sesame Oil Go Bad? How Long Does Sesame Oil Last?
Ingredients
- Sesame oil
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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