| All About Oils - Shelf Life and Our Oils |
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The question of how long oil may last and how to store it is often an important consideration for consumers, considering the cost of good oil and its shelf life.
As a general guide, oil will loose some of its character with age. It may become less fruity, peppery or smoky or have a weakened flavour. It may not always be unusable; you may just have to use it in a different application. For example, baking or sautéing mushrooms, bacon and eggs on a Sunday.
There are exceptions. Nut oil will start to develop an unpleasant aged character if left to long, just as whole nuts do. Oils with additives such as herbs or cheese will also not keep as long as pure oil. The majority of virgin oils available to us in Australia will have a harvest date or best before date. This is just a guide as most oils are at their optimum within 18 months to 2 years of harvest. The oil should be sealed tightly and stored somewhere cool and not too light.
This unusual smoky tasting oil makes an interesting addition to a marinade or dressing. Use it for fried rice, its great with seafood or stir fried with beef and lemongrass. It can be used in pastas and marinades, especially for seafood and BBQed meats.
This is oil or a solid depending on the weather conditions. We are told it has amazing health benefits; however this is irrelevant if it does not pass the taste test. Luckily it does!
Coconut oil adds a new dimension to curries and stir fries. It can be used in baking, in rice dishes and soups, ideal for sautéing seafood and vegetables, making a crispy, sweet tasting finish. Use it in the crust for a coconut and cherry cheesecake or add it to some vegetables after they are cooked. It has a delicate fresh taste and will not oxidize easily, which means it has a long shelf life.