Sesame oil is similar to other frying oils. It is extracted from sesame seeds, as the name suggests. Originally, this ingredient was derived from Asian countries. However, its usage is now more prevalent in the Western and Mediterranean regions. The oil is a perfect ingredient if you are making Japanese and Thai cuisines. But, of course, you can still use this oil in any suitable recipe.
Does sesame oil go bad? Yes, of course! After all, no kitchen ingredient has an eternal lifespan. Sooner or later they will all rot and spoil, and you’ll have no other choice but to throw them out. You cannot consume expired food because it will harm your health and well-being.
So how do you know if sesame oil has gone bad? Are there any indicators that can tell you if it is about to expire? These questions are quite baffling if you will ask me. But, of course, they do have specific answers. In the following sections, I will explain all of these matters. So let’s stop dawdling and get started!
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Sesame Oil: 5 Important Things
Does Sesame Oil Go Bad?
Let me emphasize this again. Sesame oil will eventually go bad in the kitchen, even if you have stored it properly. The proper storage will just extend its lifespan. It is a not a preservation process that will maintain the quality of the ingredient indefinitely.
The shelf life of sesame oil is dependent on the date you purchased it. If you get a fresh bottle, you can fully enjoy its benefits to the maximum. On the other hand, the lifespan of a bottle that’s been stored for a long time will have dwindled already. Therefore, check the labels first before you start buying.
How Can You Know If Sesame Oil Is Bad Or Spoiled?
Fortunately, there are physical indicators that suggest this and it is your duty to check these changes in your oil. Otherwise, there is a good chance that you will risk your health by using a bad ingredient in your food.
The first things that you should observe is the texture, clarity, and color of the oil, which will change as the oil ages. A noticeable discoloration is a bad sign that your oil is about to go off. Therefore, you should consider disposing of the oil if any of these things occur.
Oil is derived from fat. That’s a scientific fact that nobody can debunk. And a fat that is about to go bad will turn rancid. As a result, releases a pungent smell and flavor. Specifically, a rancid oil will have a wine-like taste, and that is not okay at all.
Of course, certain risks are associated with using bad oil. Apart from a sick stomach, it can also trigger both liver and heart disease. Therefore, you should avoid using spoiled oil in any recipe that you are planning to make.
Lifespan Of A Sesame Oil
Luckily, the lifespan of a sesame oil is not that brief. When stored properly, this ingredient can last pretty long.
- In you store it in your pantry (at an ideal room temperature), the oil could last for a year.
- If you put it in your refrigerator, it will last up to two years. However, storing it in your refrigerator can cause emulsification, which induces a cloudy texture. If this happens, just take out the bottle and place it in your pantry. It should liquefy again in no time.
If you compare it to canola oil, sesame oil has a slightly longer lifespan, but the indications that the oil has gone off remain the same. You just have to check the quality of the oils every time you use them. In this way, you will guarantee that the ingredient is still safe for consumption.
Technically speaking, oil bottles have a “Best Before” date on their labels, which give the time range when the oil is in its best condition. After this time, you can expect it to deteriorate slightly. But the oil is still usable. You just have to realize that an oil purchased after its “Best Before” date might have lost half of its total lifespan.
How To Store Sesame Oil
As I mentioned earlier, there is no way you can preserve sesame oil. It will eventually go bad. However, you can extend its lifespan by storing it properly. Fortunately, the process is not as difficult as it sounds.
Specifically, you should store the oil in a cool and dry place. Try and find an area where there is no air, heat, or light contact, as these external elements can make the oil go rancid more quickly. A considerable amount of exposure to any of these factors can seriously affect the quality of the oil.
If you have already opened a bottle of sesame oil, you should place it in your kitchen cabinet. Ideally, you should store it in your attic or wine cellar (if your house has them). You can also store it in your refrigerator. If you do this, it will not lose its quality. Although this is not the most necessary procedure out there, it is undeniably effective.
Needless to say, you should tightly seal the oil bottle if you are not using it, as it will keep the oil protected from any external detriments. Moreover, you should choose an oil that has been stored in dark, non-transparent containers that can offer it better protection against heat and light.
Health Benefits Of Sesame Oil
Why do we have to be so wary about the quality of sesame oil? Well, apart from avoiding a quick trip to the hospital, you will find that fresh sesame oil provides a number of excellent health benefits. These are:
- It’s great for your hair – Sesame oil has been scientifically proven to be a good buddy for your hair, as it allows your body to preserve your natural hair color. Meanwhile, it can also prevent hair loss and deflect various pathogens that could harm your scalp.
- It’s excellent for your skin – Many people don’t know that this oil is rich in zinc, which is a great ally of your skin. Specifically, it can improve the skin’s smoothness and elasticity, as well as minimize the amount of age spots and other signs of aging skin.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things that you should learn about sesame oil. Even though it’s a simple kitchen ingredient, there are a myriad of precautions that you should follow to protect it. You can easily maximize the benefits of a fresh oil if you can keep it in its best state. Therefore, I recommend that you store it properly at all times.
Of course, you should always pay attention to its quality. Before you use the oil, take a short moment to smell it and observe its color. If you can detect something wrong with it, there is a good chance that the oil is about to go off, and you should be cautious.
Lastly, I recommend that you practice kitchen hygiene and etiquette. Apart from having fresh ingredients, it would be great if you – the gourmet in the kitchen – are also clean as well! This will not only improve the taste of the food, but also protect you from any foodborne illnesses!
Do you have any questions, comments, and suggestions? If so, feel free to ask me! I will be waiting!
