Flaxseeds offer a fantastic mix of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats, making them an excellent addition to your diet. With approximately 27% fiber, flaxseeds are one of the finest plant sources of this essential nutrient, promoting digestion and supporting gut health.
Flaxseeds also make my go-to egg substitute in vegan baking. Not to mention, they pack a punch in the plant protein department, with around 18 grams of protein per 100-gram serving.
When it comes to flaxseed oil, a lot of people use it for its high level of essential fatty acids. This means it’s important to store it properly so it does not oxidise. So, let’s dive into storage tips!
How To Store Flaxseed Oil
To maintain the quality of flaxseed oil, it must be stored in a cool and dry place, and the best place for that is the refrigerator. Flaxseed oil is pretty sensitive and can spoil rapidly when exposed to heat, light, and air; hence, keeping it cold is advisable after opening. When shopping for your flaxseed oil, go for a brand that keeps it in a dark bottle. Dark bottles are commonly used for liquid flaxseed oil to shield it from light.
Can You Freeze Flaxseed Oil?
To keep flaxseed oil fresh, if you do not plan to use it before the expiry date, freezing flaxseed oil is a great option. When frozen, the oil may turn slightly opaque and thicker, sometimes even solid. But don’t worry; it quickly melts back to its original consistency, and the freezing process doesn’t affect the omega-3s.
For optimal results, it’s suggested to use the frozen oil within one to two months. However, it’s important to note that freezing the oil can impact its consistency.
How To Defrost Flaxseed Oil
I freeze my oils in ice cube trays, then transfer the small portion to a ziplock bag in the freezer. To defrost, I simply remove a bit an hour before cooking and let it melt at room temperature.
If you are defrosting a large amount, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
How Long Does Flaxseed Oil Last?
Flaxseed oil, if unopened, can retain its freshness for 6-12 months if kept in a cool, dark, and dry location, shielded from heat and light. Before usage, always double-check the expiration date on the bottle.
Once opened, it is advised to refrigerate flaxseed oil to minimize oxidation and prolong its shelf life. Properly sealed and refrigerated, it can last for 4-6 weeks. It has a shorter shelf life than a lot of other fats and oils.
To extend the shelf life of flaxseed oil, freezing is an option. Freeze the oil in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Ensure to thaw it at room temperature before using.
How To Know When Flaxseed Oil Is Rancid?
Flaxseed oil has a considerably shorter shelf life than other liquid plant-based oils. The fats in flaxseed oil are more susceptible to becoming rancid and are not as stable on the shelf as whole flaxseeds. Typically, flaxseed oil remains usable for around 4-6 months from its production date, but once opened, it will only remain fresh for a couple of months. Assess the scent of flaxseed oil; it should have a mild aroma. If the flaxseed oil smells fishy or has an overpowering odor, it indicates that it has gone rancid.
FAQs
Flaxseed oil is best taken in the morning with breakfast. I sometimes throw it into my morning smoothies to improve the healthy fat profile of the drink!
Some research suggests that flaxseed oil may modify estrogen metabolism, and some suggest it has a very minimal effect and is more likely to reduce estrogen…but more research is needed, particularly on humans. Other studies suggest that positive effects on things such as menopause symptoms may be due to the essential fatty acids in the oil rather than the phytoestrogens. So, the jury is still out on that one.
You should be careful of taking any oil if you have high blood triglyceride levels. It is also not recommended to have flaxseed oil before surgery as it may have a blood-thinning effect.
It sure does! It is quite high in vitamin E, along with other essential fatty acids.
Flaxseed is a popular remedy for digestive health and alleviating constipation. It can potentially decrease total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol levels, but it is best to check with your healthcare practitioner before using it to treat anything.
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