If you’ve purchased cashew oil, its lifespan isn’t indefinite. To preserve your cashew oil and keep it fresh as long as possible. What’s the best way to store cashew oil to help preserve its quality and freshness?
Cashew oil is best stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sources of heat and sunlight. Store cashew oil in a dark container and preferably in the refrigerator, which doubles its shelf life compared to storing at room temperature.
For an in-depth guide on cashew oil storage, read on!
What is cashew oil?
Cashew oil is extracted from cashews (a type of nut), which can be used for cooking, especially Thai or Indian dishes. Cashew oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils or as a moisturizer for your skin, hair, and nails.
Cashew oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can promote heart health (especially when using them instead of saturated fats).
It’s also loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, magnesium, and copper!
What is the best way to store cashew oil?
Cashew oil can spoil quickly once you open it, so it’s important to store it in a way that preserves its shelf life. The best way to store cashew oil is in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and direct heat sources.
Keeping cashew oil in a kitchen cabinet (not one above a heat source, though) or a dark pantry is ideal. Cashew oil should be kept tightly sealed and in a dark container to block light rays from oxidizing the fats, which can cause them to spoil.
Does cashew oil need to be refrigerated?
It’s not necessary to refrigerate cashew oil safety-wise, but it can help prolong its shelf life.
Unopened, cashew oil will last around 6-12 months at room temperature, but this time extends to 1-2 years in the refrigerator.
Once opened, cashew oil lasts 3-6 months at room temperature and 6-12 months in the refrigerator, so refrigerating cashew oil doubles its shelf life.
Factors that influence cashew oil storage
Container
Cashew oil should be kept in a dark container instead of a clear one. Why? Clear containers allow sunlight to reach the oil easily, which can cause oxidation. Oxidation of fats leads to rancidity – in other words, it makes the oil go bad more quickly.
Temperature
If cashew oil is exposed to high temperatures it can also cause rancidity. Storing cashew oil near direct heat sources, such as near a stovetop or an oven, can cause it to go bad more quickly.
Cashew oil shouldn’t be stored in hot areas such as garages or places that reach temperatures higher than typical room temperature. Cold temperatures don’t affect cashew oil as negatively, since colder temperatures can prolong its shelf life.
Can you freeze cashew oil?
It’s unknown if you can freeze cashew oil, so it’s better to err on the safe side and avoid freezing it. Freezing oils can change their texture in some instances, and keeping them in the refrigerator doubles its shelf life, which should suffice in terms of storage.
How to spot spoiled cashew oil
Like all fats and oils, cashew oil is prone to going rancid over time. Here are a few things to watch out for to spot spoiled cashew oil:
- If the cashew oil smells sour, rancid, or “off” in any way, it’s likely gone bad. Fresh cashew oil should smell nutty and have a pleasant scent.
- Rancid cashew oil will likely taste bitter and be off-putting. If it has a bad taste and doesn’t taste like cashews, then it might have gone bad.
- Fresh cashew oil is typically clear and golden in color. If cashew oil turns cloudy or has a separation of solids (sediment appearing), then it might have gone bad.
- If the color of the cashew oil changes drastically since you bought it, it might be time to toss it or replace it.
FAQs:
You can use cashew oil in cooking as well as topically. Cashew oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which can help promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Eating healthy plant-based fats (or applying them topically) can promote healthy hair and reduce dryness.
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