Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, promoting youthful skin and a healthy interior! Its moisturizing benefits make it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic products, effectively treating dry, red, and flaky skin conditions. Its high mineral content, including potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium, provides essential nutrients for the body.
Comprising 80% unsaturated fatty acids and minimal saturated fats, it is often taken for its high levels of omega-3, which contribute to a robust immune system and cardiovascular well-being.
This oil can be pretty volatile, though, and requires proper storage to maintain its quality over time. Let’s look at how to keep it at its best.
How To Store Hemp Oil?
To ensure optimal freshness and effectiveness, store your hemp oil in a cool and dark environment if it is unopened and in the refrigerator once it has been opened.
Light is the primary degrading factor for hemp oil, as the infrared and ultraviolet rays can negatively impact the oil’s beneficial compounds. Hemp is photosensitive, meaning it is particularly sensitive to light-induced degradation. By storing your hemp seed oil in a cool, dark place, you can help preserve its potency and extend its shelf life.
Can You Freeze Hemp Oil?
You can preserve hemp oil for an extended period by freezing it. To do this, store the oil in an airtight container in a freezer set to a temperature between 14 and -13°F. Remember to label the container with the freezing date and the oil’s expiration date. Note that freezing may cause the oil to thicken or become cloudy, but this doesn’t affect its quality or potency. Use the thawed hemp oil as soon as possible for the best results.
If you do not want to freeze the entire batch of hemp seed oil at once, you can divide it into portions in an ice cube tray. Simply remove a cube when you need it to defrost, or throw it directly into a smoothie to boost healthy fats.
How To Defrost Hemp Oil
To defrost frozen hemp oil, remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw naturally at room temperature for a few hours. Avoid using hot water or a microwave, which can harm the oil’s beneficial compounds.
After the oil has thawed, gently shake the container, then inspect for any alterations in color, texture, or smell. If you detect significant changes, it’s advisable to discard the oil.
How Long Does Hemp Oil Last?
Unopened hemp seed oil can maintain its freshness and quality for approximately 12-14 months, whether stored in the pantry or refrigerator, but if the best-by date is sooner, it is best to stick with that.
Once opened, you need to store hemp in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for about 3-4 months, which is a shorter shelf life than a lot of other kinds of fats and oils.
How To Know When Hemp Oil Is Rancid?
To determine if hemp oil has deteriorated or gone bad, there are several signs and indicators to consider. Pay attention to any visible changes in the oil’s appearance, like excessive cloudiness or the presence of particles. You should also observe for alterations in color or texture. Changes in smell or taste, such as sourness or bitterness, also probably mean it’s no longer fresh.
While consuming rancid hemp seed oil is not likely to do much harm, it will not taste good at all, plus a lot of the healthy nutritional compounds are likely to have degraded.
FAQs
For nutritional purposes, the recommended method is oral ingestion. You can take it on its own or incorporate it into your food or drink. I like to put it in smoothies!
Individuals allergic to cannabis should exercise caution when using hemp, as they may also be allergic to it, though it is rare. Hemp seed oil differs from something like CBD oil, which is more likely to have side effects.
Absolutely! It’s perfectly safe to consume hemp seed oil on an empty stomach for most people, though some may experience a little digestive discomfort if they are not used to consuming oils this way.
Hemp seed oil is gaining popularity as a natural solution for various conditions, such as skin problems. Some suggest that it possesses properties that could lower inflammation in the body, though further research is needed.
Hemp seed oil is safe with most medications. CBD oil, which is different, is one that you need to watch out for with medicine. CBD has shown potential interactions with various anticonvulsants like diazepam, lamotrigine, and phenytoin28,29; sedative medications like barbiturates such as phenobarbital and hexobarbital30; as well as narcotics like codeine and morphine.
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