Modern housewives often wonder about the shelf life of sunflower oil. This popular plant product obtained by pressing sunflower seeds is found in every kitchen. Oil is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology, medicine. Due to the presence of vitamins, macro- and microelements, fatty acids, the product from sunflower seeds has healing properties that help in the prevention of a number of diseases.
After the expiration date of sunflower oil, part of the beneficial substances present in its composition is reduced. To get the maximum benefit, you must not only choose the right plant product, but also know the features of storage.
Types of Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a source of vegetable fats necessary for the human body. Two types of product are distinguished depending on the degree of purification: refined and unrefined. Each type has its own taste, useful properties, as well as shelf life.
Refined oil
Refining is a global cleaning of oil from pollution, harmful impurities. The process takes place in several stages, as a result of which the product from the seeds of sunflower is depersonalized. When processing, refined sunflower oil acquires a light yellowish tint. It has no aroma, and also does not give the finished dish a rich taste. 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, maintain immunity, give stability to blood vessels, and reduce the body's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
Such a plant product can be stored for two years. From the moment the bottle is opened, the shelf life of refined sunflower oil is about 14 days. When placed on the refrigerator door, it can be increased up to 30 days. Signs of turbidity during prolonged use indicate spoilage. Such oil should be disposed of.
Unrefined oil
This type of sunflower oil has a rich dark brown tint and a pleasant aroma. The pure product does not contain harmful food additives, impurities. Its composition is completely absent of proteins and carbohydrates.
Unrefined oil is a source of nutrients. During the manufacturing process of the product, not only vitamins are preserved, but also trace elements such 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 pressed. Sunflower seeds under pressure from the press release oil, which is subsequently filtered. The temperature of the cold pressed does not exceed 40 degrees. This allows you to save the maximum of useful vitamins, macro- and microelements, fatty acids in the finished product.
When hot pressed, sunflower seeds are heated to 100-120 degrees. This temperature allows not only to preserve useful substances, but also to extend the shelf life of the product. This type of unrefined oil has a rich aroma, which is valued in cooking.
Unrefined oil is not subject to heat treatment. During the frying process, the product is capable of releasing a large number of carcinogens. It is used for dressing vegetable salads, in home canning.
The shelf life of unrefined sunflower oil is small. On average, it is about 4 months, so experienced housewives do not recommend purchasing it for the future.
Storage conditions
The shelf life of sunflower oil directly depends on environmental conditions: temperature, humidity, location. A plant product is not recommended to be kept near sources of light and heat. Do not store it near the stove, window. For this, a place in a dark closet is perfect.
Direct exposure to light and sudden fluctuations in temperature destroy vitamins and other beneficial substances that are contained in the food. Permissible limits are from + 8 ° to + 20 ° . Cooling the oil is also not worth it, so if you plan to store it in the refrigerator, then place a container on its door. Unopened bottles may be stored frozen for a year. But repeated freezing will lead to the loss of beneficial properties. Ideal storage conditions for sunflower oil - from +10 to +18 ° C.
Sunflower oil and refrigerator
Consumers often argue whether it is possible to store a plant product in the refrigerator. In some cases this is possible. At temperatures from 0 to 11 º, an open bottle can be placed on the refrigerator door. This is more true for the refined look. Store unrefined sunflower oil in the refrigerator is undesirable.
Mistresses note
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.
Explore them:
- To prevent the product from absorbing odors, it is recommended that you use a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid for storage.
- Dry beans help extend the shelf life of sunflower oil. In an open bottle, just drop 3-4 beans and then close tightly. Seeds allow you to keep the product fresh for several months.
- Spices will help increase shelf life by 3-4 months. To do this, add 2 teaspoons of salt per 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.
- Freezing is another way to extend the shelf life of sunflower oil. In the freezer, the product will thicken very much, but will retain all the beneficial properties for 12 months. To avoid re-freezing unused oil, transfer the contents of the bottle to small containers. To do this, plastic containers or small bags with a clasp are suitable. If necessary, getting a small portion will be more convenient than defrosting a whole bottle.
We hope the material presented will be useful to you.