Coconut oil is a useful thing to have around the house. It can be used for many different things, like making your hair shiny, keeping your skin soft, cooking food, or even as a natural deodorant.
But, like all oils, coconut oil can go bad after a while. Luckily, if you store it properly, it can last for about 3 years.
Having some coconut oil on hand for when you need it is good. But does coconut oil go bad? Should you be worried about using that old bottle you found at the back of your cupboard? Well, it depends. Coconut oil usually stays good for a long time, but there are some things you should think about before using it for things like swishing in your mouth or adding to your coffee.
To ensure your coconut oil is still good to use and avoid any problems, keep reading to learn how to tell if coconut oil has gone bad and how long it lasts.
Does coconut oil go bad?
Coconut oil, like other foods, can spoil if it’s not stored properly. But the good thing is that coconut oil is tough, so it takes a while before it goes bad.
There are two main types of coconut oil: unrefined (or virgin) and refined. Unrefined coconut oil is made by pressing coconut meat and keeps its natural coconut smell and taste. It doesn’t go through any extra processing.
Refined coconut oil comes from dried coconut meat called copra. It might go through processes like removing impurities, washing out acids, bleaching, and removing smells. This type doesn’t have a strong coconut smell or taste.
Why does this matter? Well, because how long coconut oil lasts depends on what type it is.
Unrefined virgin coconut oil lasts the longest, up to 3 years, if you store it right. But refined coconut oil doesn’t last as long. You should use it up within 18 months of opening the jar or bottle.
After about 12 months, the good stuff in coconut oil, called beneficial fatty acids, starts to decrease. So, getting new coconut oil every year is a good idea.
Why does coconut oil go bad?
Coconut oil usually spoils when exposed to air and light. This process is called oxidation. It breaks down the oil’s fatty acid chains and creates unstable free radicals.
Free radicals are really active molecules that can harm cells and might make you more likely to get diseases like cancer and heart problems.
Oils like coconut oil can start to smell bad and taste bad if you don’t store them right. The things that make this happen are:
- Water
- Light
- Heat
- Air
- Some metals
- Bacteria and other germs
To keep your coconut oil good for longer, store it the right way!
How to tell if coconut oil has gone bad
If you can’t find the date when your coconut oil expires, or if you want to be sure, you can use your senses to check if it’s still good.
Smell. If it still smells strongly like coconut, it’s probably fresh. But if it smells bad, like something sour, musty, or like paint, it’s probably gone bad. Remember, though, refined oil won’t have a coconut smell.
Appearance. Good coconut oil looks white or a little yellow. If it’s turned darker, has strange colors, or looks cloudy with black or other colored bits floating in it, it’s probably not good anymore. It might even have gross things growing in it.
Texture. Fresh coconut oil can be either liquid or solid, depending on where you store it. If it’s liquid, it should be thick and shiny. If it’s solid, it should be smooth. If it’s grainy, runny, or looks like curdled milk, you should get rid of it.
Taste. A quick taste should be slightly sweet and nutty. But if it tastes sour, bitter, or like nothing at all, it’s time to throw it out.
How to make coconut last longer
The key to making your coconut oil last longer is storing it the right way. Here’s what you need to do to keep it fresh:
- Seal it tight. Make sure the lid is on securely every time you use it to keep air and light out.
- Keep it away from sunlight. Sunlight can make coconut oil go bad faster, so store it in a dark, dry place.
- Put it in the fridge. Keeping coconut oil in the fridge can make it last longer because it’s less likely to spoil. Just make sure the container is sealed well.
- Avoid heat. If you don’t refrigerate it, keep it away from heat sources like the stove or oven. Store it in a cool place like a cupboard or drawer.
- Use clean utensils. Only use clean spoons or scoops to take out your coconut oil. Using dirty ones can introduce bacteria that make it spoil faster.
- Buy small amounts. It’s better to buy only what you need for a few months so it doesn’t go bad before you use it all.
Taking care of your coconut oil isn’t hard. With a little attention, you can make it last for months or even years!
Coconut oil is a useful and healthy ingredient for cooking and household tasks. But even though it lasts a long time, it can still spoil if you don’t store it right.
You can tell if it’s gone bad by checking its smell, look, texture, and taste. If you’re not sure, it’s best to throw it out.
To keep your coconut oil fresh for as long as possible, make sure to close the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. Putting it in the fridge can help it last even longer. Also, only use clean spoons or scoops to take it out, and buy small amounts so you don’t waste any. By following these tips, you can make sure your coconut oil stays good to use every time.
