This article delves into the aspects of storage, shelf life, and potential spoilage of avocado oil. Discover the duration for which it remains viable, the indications of spoilage, and whether refrigeration is necessary.
If you’re faced with a partially used bottle of avocado oil that’s slightly surpassed its indicated date, and you’re uncertain about its quality, you might be wondering: Does avocado oil go bad, and how can you determine its condition?
Alternatively, if you’re a newcomer to avocado oil and you’re seeking guidance on how to properly store it, along with the query of whether refrigeration is advisable, this article aims to provide you with comprehensive insights.
For more in-depth information about Prepping Click here to check out my recent guide
Is Avocado Oil Prone to Spoilage?
Similar to all other oils, avocado oil doesn’t possess an indefinite lifespan. While it won’t foster the growth of mold, it will gradually undergo oxidation and eventually develop rancidity. That’s the point at which it should be discarded.
Comparable to olive oil, with which avocado oil is frequently compared, it boasts relatively low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. This attribute contributes to its extended shelf life. However, this characteristic only serves to decelerate the process of rancidification – the mechanism responsible for the development of rancidity. It doesn’t, however, entirely stave off the occurrence of this process.
Evidently, the progression is gradual, requiring several months for avocado oil to fully develop rancidity. If you’re a frequent user of the oil, it can be challenging to discern any alterations in aroma or flavor. These disparities become pronounced only when you compare an aged bottle to a freshly opened one.
In the context of nearing or surpassing the oil’s date, it’s valuable to recognize the indicators of spoilage if you wish to ascertain the usability of the fat-based product. This knowledge proves beneficial in such situations.
However, prior to delving into the signs of spoilage, it’s essential to delve into the different types of avocado oil available in the market. This aspect holds significance because these varieties exhibit variations in appearance, aroma, and taste, requiring an understanding of what to anticipate from your specific oil. If you want to know the shelf life of grapeseed oil then check out my recent article Grapeseed Oil Shelf Life ( Long Term Storage ).
Varieties of Avocado Oil
Avocado oil remains a relatively recent addition to the market, and unlike well-standardized products such as sesame oil, its various types lack a clear standardization. For instance, with sesame oil, distinctions between plain and toasted varieties are apparent and defined.
Unrefined avocado oil typically exhibits a green hue and carries a hint of avocado flavor. In some cases, you might discern a subtle buttery undertone or even detect mild mushroom notes. The taste can vary based on the specific oil you’re using, so if you’ve recently switched brands, don’t be taken aback if the new one offers a different taste profile.
Conversely, refined avocado oil possesses a rather neutral character concerning both color and aroma. The extraction process for avocado oil involves refining it to resemble vegetable oils, rendering it versatile in various applications due to its lack of distinct flavor. If you want to know the most common food storing mistakes then check out my recent article ( Top 10 ) Food Stockpiling Mistakes.
Indicators of Deterioration
Dispose of your avocado oil if:
It emits an unpleasant odor: When your avocado oil begins to exude a musty, chemical-like scent, it has certainly turned rancid. Some describe the aroma as reminiscent of play-dough, while others draw parallels to the odor of nail polish remover. If you’ve encountered the scent of expired vegetable oil before, you’ll likely recognize the similarity. Moreover, it’s important to note that two distinct types of avocado oil exist, each possessing its own distinctive scent.
Visual alterations are evident: Should your avocado oil undergo a color shift or a significant change in texture, the likelihood of spoilage is high. A minor exception to this rule is the occurrence of slight cloudiness or crystallization. If you store the oil in a cold environment, such as the fridge, these changes are typical, and the oil will regain clarity once it returns to room temperature.
The taste is off: In the event that the oil maintains a favorable appearance and scent, it’s essential to assess its flavor. If it imparts a harsh, acidic, or generally disagreeable taste, it has likely undergone oxidation and is no longer suitable for consumption. Once more, remember that refined and unrefined avocado oil exhibits distinct taste profiles.
What Is the Shelf Life of Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil generally possesses a shelf life ranging from 1 to 2 years and typically remains viable until the indicated date. Once the bottle is opened, unrefined avocado oil maintains its quality for around 6 months, whereas the refined variant can endure for a few months beyond that.
The provided timeframes are only approximate, and individual brands may offer their own guidelines, hence it’s crucial to refer to the label for accurate information.
However, it’s important to be aware that the current avocado oil market is somewhat convoluted, and frequently, the oil can become rancid prior to the indicated date.
Due to this situation, it’s advisable to assess the oil’s condition before using it, even if it’s well ahead of the printed date.
But what should you do if your avocado oil has expired? Is immediate disposal the best course of action?
Likely not. Let’s delve into how you should navigate this situation. If you want to know the shelf life of rice bran oil then check out my recent article Shelf Life Of Rice Bran Oil ( How To Store It Correctly ).
Avocado Oil Beyond Expiry
As you’re already aware, the degradation of avocado oil’s quality takes place over time, following an incremental process. It’s not a scenario where the oil is perfectly fine one day and then turns malodorous and rancid the next. The deterioration is an ongoing progression, rendering the printed date merely an approximate gauge of the oil’s anticipated quality retention period.
Therefore, it’s wiser to focus on the aroma and taste of your avocado oil rather than strictly adhering to its expiration date.
Suppose the oil remains of satisfactory quality but is a few weeks beyond its indicated date – in that case, it’s highly likely safe for consumption.
The same principle applies conversely. If the oil emits a scent akin to old paint, even if there are still a couple of months before the printed date, it’s best to discard it.
Proper Storage for Avocado Oil
To safeguard your avocado oil’s quality, store it in a cool, dim location, shielded from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Opting for a dark cabinet within your kitchen or pantry proves to be a wise choice.
In the event that you’ve acquired a sizable bottle and harbor concerns about premature rancidity, refrigeration is a viable option for preserving its condition. However, be mindful that refrigerated avocado oil tends to thicken and exhibit cloudiness in its appearance due to the cold temperature. This phenomenon is temporary and will resolve once the oil reaches room temperature.
Is Refrigeration Required for Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil doesn’t necessitate refrigeration for preservation, yet opting to store it in the fridge can undoubtedly contribute to extending its longevity. Similar to canola oil, avocado oil boasts stability at room temperature, thanks to its substantial antioxidant content and relatively limited polyunsaturated fat content.
Interestingly, this aspect aligns avocado oil with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), as refrigeration isn’t imperative for olive oil either.
In essence, the choice of refrigeration hinges on your preferences and requirements. If you possess a sizable bottle and anticipate infrequent use, contemplating refrigeration is indeed a prudent consideration.
Summary
Avocado oil doesn’t abruptly spoil the moment it surpasses the indicated date. It could potentially maintain its quality for several additional weeks or even months. Conversely, it’s entirely plausible for the oil to become rancid well in advance of the specified date. This was substantiated by a study conducted by scientists from UC Davis.
Due to this variability, determining the precise lifespan of avocado oil proves challenging, emphasizing the importance of monitoring its quality instead.
Regarding the storage of avocado oil, refrigeration isn’t mandatory. Nevertheless, it’s a prudent choice, particularly for unrefined avocado oil that you anticipate storing for an extended duration exceeding a few months.
