How to tell if oil has expired
Edible oil is an indispensable ingredient in our daily lives, but expired or spoiled oil will not only affect the taste and nutrition of food, but may also cause harm to health. So, how to tell if the oil has expired? The following is the method and related data for judging the expiration of edible oil among the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days.
1. The dangers of expired edible oil

Expired cooking oil may produce harmful substances such as peroxides and free fatty acids, and long-term consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The following are common hazards of expired oil:
| Hazard type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| Nutrient loss | Decreased antioxidant components such as vitamin E |
| Taste becomes worse | Produces a harsh or bitter taste |
| health risks | May cause diarrhea and increase burden on liver |
2. How to judge whether the oil has expired
To determine whether the oil has expired, you can start from the following aspects:
1. Observe color and transparency
Fresh cooking oil is usually clear in color, while expired oil may become cloudy or darker in color. Here are the normal color ranges of common cooking oils:
| oil | normal color |
|---|---|
| peanut oil | Light yellow to golden yellow |
| soybean oil | light yellow |
| olive oil | Yellow-green |
| rapeseed oil | light yellow to golden yellow |
2. Smell
Fresh oil usually has a light oily aroma, while expired oil may have a sour, sour or other odor. If you smell an obvious abnormal odor, it is recommended to stop using it.
3. Taste
Take a small amount of the oil and taste it. Fresh oil will have a mild flavor, while expired oil may have a bitter or pungent taste.
4. Check the packaging date
The shelf life of edible oil is usually 12-18 months, but it is best to use it within 3-6 months after opening. The following is a reference for the shelf life of common cooking oils:
| oil | Unopened shelf life | Recommended use period after opening |
|---|---|---|
| peanut oil | 18 months | 6 months |
| soybean oil | 12 months | 3 months |
| olive oil | 24 months | 6 months |
| rapeseed oil | 18 months | 6 months |
5. Observe the sediment
If there is a lot of sediment or suspended matter at the bottom of the oil bottle, the oil may have gone bad.
3. How to properly store cooking oil
In order to extend the service life of cooking oil, correct storage methods are crucial:
1.Store away from light: Keep the oil in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight.
2.Keep sealed: Close the bottle cap tightly after use to reduce contact with air.
3.keep away from heat: Do not place oil near the stove or in high-temperature environments.
4.Use in separate packages: Large barrels of oil can be divided into small bottles to reduce the number of openings.
4. Reasonable use of expired oil
If you find that your oil has expired but has not gone visibly rancid, consider the following uses:
| Purpose | Things to note |
|---|---|
| Lubricant | Can be used for lubrication of mechanical parts such as door hinges |
| plant fertilizer | Use sparingly after dilution |
| Rust inhibitor | Apply to metal surfaces to prevent rust |
Conclusion
The safe use of cooking oil is related to the health of the whole family. By observing the color, smell, and taste, you can effectively determine whether the oil has expired. At the same time, correct storage methods can also extend the shelf life of oil. It is recommended that everyone regularly check the status of cooking oil at home to ensure dietary safety.
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