Sunflower oil shelf life, storage conditions and features

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Modern housewives often wonder what is the shelf life of sunflower oil? This popular herbal product, obtained by pressing sunflower seeds, is found in every kitchen. Oil is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology and medicine. Due to the presence of vitamins, macro- and microelements, fatty acids, the sunflower seed product has medicinal properties that help in the prevention of a number of diseases.

After the expiration date of sunflower oil, part of the useful substances present in its composition is reduced. To get the maximum benefit, it is necessary not only to choose the right herbal product, but also to know the features of storage.

Types of sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is a source of vegetable fats necessary for the human body. dependingtwo types of product are distinguished from the degree of purification: refined and unrefined. Each species has its own taste characteristics, useful properties, as well as an expiration date.

Refined oil

Refining is a global purification of oil from contaminants and harmful impurities. The process takes place in several stages, as a result of which the product from sunflower seeds is depersonalized. During processing, refined sunflower oil acquires a light yellowish tint. It has no aroma, and also does not add a rich taste to the finished dish. Under the influence of high temperatures, this variety does not emit carcinogens, therefore it is used for frying.

The nutritional value of refined oil is minimal. It is determined by a small amount of fatty acids, which help to carry out the synthesis of hormones, support immunity, give stability to blood vessels, and reduce the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.

You can store such a herbal product for two years. From the moment you open the bottle, the shelf life of refined sunflower oil is about 14 days. When placed on the refrigerator door, it can be extended up to 30 days. Signs of turbidity of the product during prolonged use indicate its deterioration. This oil should be disposed of.

Unrefined oil

This type of sunflower oil has a rich dark brown hue and a pleasant aroma. A pure product does not contain harmful food additives, impurities. ATits composition is completely free of proteins and carbohydrates.

Unrefined oil is a source of nutrients. In the process of manufacturing the product, not only vitamins are preserved, but also such trace elements as iron, iodine, calcium, zinc, magnesium, fatty acids, vitamins F, E. These substances have a beneficial effect on the skin, hair, and blood vessels.

The safety of useful elements is ensured by several production methods. The most common is cold pressing. Sunflower seeds under the pressure of the press release oil, which is then filtered. The cold pressing temperature does not exceed 40 degrees. This allows you to save a maximum of useful vitamins, macro- and microelements, fatty acids in the finished product.

During hot pressing, sunflower seeds are heated up to 100-120 degrees. This temperature allows not only to preserve useful substances, but also to extend the shelf life of the product. This unrefined oil has a rich flavor that is prized in cooking.

Unrefined oil is not subject to heat treatment. During the frying process, the product is able to release a large amount of carcinogens. It is used for dressing vegetable salads, in home canning.

The shelf life of unrefined sunflower oil is short. On average, it is about 4 months, so experienced housewives do not recommend buying it for future use.

Storage conditions

TermThe shelf life of sunflower oil directly depends on the environmental conditions: temperature, humidity, location. The herbal product is not recommended to be kept near sources of light and heat. Do not store it near the stove, window. A place in a dark closet is perfect for this.

Direct exposure to light and sudden temperature fluctuations destroy vitamins and other beneficial substances contained in food. Permissible limits from +8°С to +20°С. It is also not worth cooling the oil, so if you plan to store it in the refrigerator, then place a container on its door. It is allowed to store an unopened bottle frozen for a year. But repeated freezing will lead to the loss of useful properties. Ideal storage conditions for sunflower oil are from +10 to +18 °C.

Sunflower oil and fridge

Consumers often argue about whether a plant-based product can be stored in the refrigerator? In some cases this is possible. At temperatures from 0 to 11 ºС, it is allowed to place an open bottle on the refrigerator door. This is more about the refined look. It is undesirable to store unrefined sunflower oil in the refrigerator. Note to housewives

Note to housewives

Buyers are often interested in the question of how to increase the shelf life of sunflower oil? For this, experienced housewives have developed several tips.

Exploring them:

1. To prevent the product from absorbing foreign odors, it is recommended to storeuse a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Dry beans will help extend the shelf life of sunflower oil. It is enough to throw 3-4 beans into an open bottle, and then close it tightly. The seeds keep the product fresh for several months.
3. Spices will help increase the shelf life by 3-4 months. To do this, add 2 teaspoons of s alt to 1 liter of oil. The resulting composition must be mixed and put in a dark cool place. And the addition of 1-2 bay leaves not only prolongs the freshness of the product for several weeks, but also gives it an unusual aroma.
4. Freezing is another way to extend the shelf life of sunflower oil. In the freezer, the product will thicken greatly, but retain all the beneficial properties for 12 months. To avoid refreezing unused oil, pour the contents of the bottle into small containers. For this, plastic containers or small bags with a zipper are suitable. If necessary, getting a small portion will be more convenient than defrosting a whole bottle.

We hope that the material presented will be useful to you.