Peanut oil is a vegetable oil made from peanuts. Most people use it as an alternative to other vegetable oils, and it is quite popular in Asian cuisine.
Compared to other cooking oil varieties, peanut oil is very healthy. It contains phytosterols, vitamin E, and unsaturated fats. Unlike other cooking oils, it does not contain cholesterol or trans-fat that may result in heart disease.
Another advantage of peanut oil is that it is very versatile. You can use it in frying, baking, sautéing, and deep-frying. It has a unique nutty flavor and a pleasant peanut-like aroma.
You may be wondering, “does peanut oil freeze?”.
The answer is yes; peanut oil freezes. You can freeze peanut oil if you want to extend its shelf life, but keep in mind that freezing may alter its aroma and flavor.
This article will answer all the questions you have about peanut oil, including its shelf life, storage, how to freeze it, and signs of spoilage. Read on.
Also, Check out: 9 Substitute For Peanut Oil You Probably Didn’t Know.
Peanut Oil Shelf Life
Each bottle of peanut oil comes with the best by date. The date approximates how long the oil will be at peak quality and not when it starts spoiling. Peanut oil will still be safe to use months and even years past the best by date.
The shelf life of peanut oil differs depending on its quality. If your peanut oil is refined and of good quality, it will last for much longer.
Generally, when stored in the pantry, a sealed bottle of peanut oil will retain its quality for up to three years. Once opened, the shelf life reduces to a year.
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How to Store Peanut Oil
Like other vegetable oils, you should store peanut oil in your pantry. Ensure you seal it tightly after every use so that it lasts for longer.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can store it in your refrigerator once you have opened the bottle.
Note that peanut oil has a high sensitivity to light and heat, so store it far away from any heat or light sources. Additionally, fluctuating temperatures may make the peanut go bad at a faster rate.
You can also store peanut oil that you used for deep frying. For starters, don’t leave it in the deep fryer. Let it cool down, then strain it into a glass or plastic bottle.
Straining will get rid of any food particles that remain in the peanut oil. Be sure not to mix used peanut oil with unused peanut oil.
Does Peanut Oil Freeze
Peanut oil freezes. However, it does not freeze too well.
Freezing tends to change the aroma and flavor of peanut oil, but this does not render the peanut oil unpalatable. It will still work well in most dishes, but the aroma and taste may vary slightly.
If freezing is the only option, you have to extend the shelf life of peanut oil, follow the steps we will discuss below to freeze it properly.
Also, Read on: Does coconut oil go bad?
How to Freeze Peanut Oil
As discussed above, you can freeze peanut oil despite freezing not being an ideal storage method, but if you must freeze peanut oil. Here is how to go about it.
The first step is to strain the oil. Straining separates the oil from the seeds, breading particles, and nut solids that may be present. If you don’t have a strainer, use a paper towel.
Once strained, transfer the oil to a container, preferably one that is light-resistant. Light resistant containers are better compared to glass containers since they are better suited for colder temperatures and will protect the oil from light as required. You can find light-resistant containers at any retail or home goods store.
While filling the container with oil, leave about ½ inch of space at the top to give room for expansion during freezing. Seal the container tightly, ensure the top is completely secured, then label it with the storage date to easily keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Place the container in your freezer. The peanut oil will be safe to use for up to one year.
Signs of spoilage
Vegetable oils, including peanut oil, hardly spoil. However, their quality deteriorates as time goes by, and they go rancid.
Using peanut oil that is not at its peak quality is inconsequential to your health. The only downsides are your dishes won’t taste as good as they should, and the aroma may not be what you are used to.
If you are unsure of whether your peanut oil is still safe to consume, look out for any of the following signs of spoilage.
- Change in color
Typically, peanut oil is clear. If its color changes to deep brown, it is spoilt. Discard it and buy another bottle.
- Unpleasant odor.
Peanut oil should have a pleasant aroma. If it smells rancid or has an unpleasant odor, throw it out.
- Appears cloudy
If your peanut oil appears cloudy or the fats start to break down, it is spoilt, and you should throw it out.
Can you Reuse Peanut Oil after Frying?
You can reuse peanut oil for frying.
You don’t have to discard it after every use. However, you shouldn’t reuse the oil too many times because the more time you use it, the more its quality deteriorates.
If you’ve used peanut oil for frying, discard it after reusing it 3-4 times. Using it more than four times may not give you the desired results.
Conclusion
Peanut oil is a fantastic addition to various dishes. It enhances their flavor and gives them a unique, pleasant aroma. Other than being flavorful, it is healthier than most oils available in the market.
Like most food products, peanut oil can go bad if you don’t store it properly. You can either store it in your pantry, refrigerator or freeze it.
If you must freeze it, follow the steps we shared above for the best results. Note that the flavor and aroma of the peanut oil may not remain as it was before, but it will still be ideal for use in your dishes.
