Pecans are a popular addition to baked goods (here’s looking at you, pecan pie!), and the oil extracted from pecan oil has multiple uses as well!
The best way to store pecan oil is in a tightly sealed opaque glass container away from direct heat and sunlight. Pecan oil should ideally be stored in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life, but it can be stored at room temperature as well.
Read on for all the ins and outs of ideal pecan oil storage!
What is pecan oil?
Pecan oil is a healthy plant-based oil rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These types of fats are associated with improved heart health compared to saturated fats like the kind found in animal fat (butter, lard, etc).
Pecan oil has a higher smoke point than many plant-based oils (470 degrees Fahrenheit), which makes it great for high-heat cooking. (The smoke point is the temperature when oil turns to smoke when heated, so a higher smoke point = less burning/smoking when heated at high temps!)
The most popular uses for pecan oil are for high-heat cooking, adding to dressings and dips, and for topical use as a skin moisturizer or carrier oil for essential oils.
What is the best way to store pecan oil?
Pecan oil isn’t refined (processed to remove impurities and increase shelf life), so it’s prone to going bad more quickly than refined oils.
To combat premature spoilage, pecan oil should be stored in an opaque (you can’t see through it) container, preferably a glass one. Store pecan oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight or heat exposure, which can cause the fats in pecan oil to go rancid over time.
Once you open pecan oil, it’s ideal to keep it in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. It might get a little cloudy when it’s refrigerated, but that’s normal and not a sign that it’s gone bad. If this happens, simply let it sit out at room temperature for around 20 minutes and the consistency should return to normal!
Be sure to keep pecan oil tightly closed since exposure to oxygen can cause rancidity.
Does pecan oil need to be refrigerated?
Pecan oil will last around two years when it’s unopened. Once you open your bottle of pecan oil, refrigerating it will help prolong its shelf life even more. Opened pecan oil should last around six months stored at room temperature, but that timeline could expand to one year if it’s stored in the refrigerator.
So while pecan oil doesn’t HAVE to be refrigerated, you’ll get more bang for your buck by popping it in the fridge, which will help slow down the process of it going bad over time.
Factors that influence pecan oil storage
Container
Like most plant-based oils, pecan oil is best stored in a dark, opaque container. Opaque containers help block light from reaching the oil, which can hasten the process of it going rancid if it’s constantly exposed to sunlight.
Glass containers are ideal for storing oils like pecan oil, and they must have an airtight lid. If a container isn’t airtight it allows oxygen to enter, which is another factor that influences the shelf life of pecan oil.
Plastic bottles are more likely to deteriorate over time, and they might even leach chemicals into the oil which can negatively impact its taste. Glass is always better for long-term storage!
Temperature
If pecan oil is exposed to high temperatures while in storage it can shorten its shelf life. That’s why the fridge is the ideal place for it!
Avoid storing pecan oil near direct heat sources such as near stovetops or ovens, or in hot areas like garages during warm months. If it’s consistently above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it can impact the freshness and quality of your pecan oil.
How to spot spoiled pecan oil
Like all fats and oils (especially unrefined ones, which have shorter shelf lives than refined oils), pecan oil is prone to going rancid over time. You can help prevent premature oxidation (the process that causes fats to go rancid) by practicing proper storage guidelines as mentioned above.
If you suspect that your pecan oil has gone bad, watch out for some indicators like:
- If the pecan oil smells bad, then it might have gone rancid. It should have a nutty, pleasant aroma similar to pecans when it’s fresh; any other scent can be indicative of spoilage.
- Fresh pecan oil should have a mild nutty flavor similar to pecans. If your pecan oil tastes bitter, unpleasant, or just plain “off”, it’s probably past its prime.
- Pecan oil should be a translucent pale yellow color. If the oil becomes darker over time or develops sediment (fine particles that settle to the bottom of the container), that’s one sign that it might be going bad.
FAQs:
Pecan oil is slightly lower in monounsaturated fats but higher in polyunsaturated fats compared to olive oil. It’s also slightly lower in saturated fat compared to olive oil. Both oils are suitable for a heart-healthy, plant-based diet!
Pecan oil has a high smoke point (470 degrees Fahrenheit), which means it’s resistant to burning at high temperatures. That makes pecan oil ideal for high-heat cooking.
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