Means and recipes based on coconut are rapidly gaining popularity, because its useful properties are used in cosmetology, as well as in cooking, medicine. It is important to find out in advance how to store coconut oil in order to conserve the maximum amount of nutrients in it.
What to look for when choosing
First of all, it is necessary to decide what kind of product is needed - refined or unrefined. From this will depend on its appearance, aroma and storage features. Purified oil is white in color and odorless, while unrefined oil can be light yellow and have a pleasant coconut flavor.
Important! Natural, not purified coconut oil should not smell sharply and too much - it means that a flavor was added to it.
The composition should not contain any additives, both visually and on the label. After carefully studying it, you can protect yourself from forgery.
Also coconut oil can be cold or hot pressed. The first option is more sparing, so the final product is more useful. Hot pressing allows you to get more pomace, with some loss of useful components. It is often used for culinary purposes.Symptoms of rancidation
While the coconut batter is stored for a long time and without special requirements to the conditions, it can deteriorate. Determine the rancid product can be quite easily by external signs:
- an unpleasant or strange smell. The smell of smoked meat or sausage is a clear sign of stiffness;
- bright yellow color. The normal color can be light yellow or golden in unrefined, and pure white at the peeled. But if the color becomes bright, then the product is spoiled;
- bitter taste indicates a rancid.
These signs may appear over time due to improper storage or caution against the purchase of an already damaged product.
General storage recommendations for
Although this product is unpretentious to the conditions, many are concerned about how to store coconut oil correctly in order to preserve its useful properties. The more favorable conditions are created, the more you can extend its life.
The shelf life of unrefined coconut oil at a temperature of +7 is not more than 6 months. Refined can be stored for up to a year in a cool place. Therefore, it is better to keep them in the refrigerator, although at room temperature it will not spoil for quite some time. This is the minimum shelf life, there is information that an environmentally friendly oil, without flavors and other impurities, can be stored for up to two years.
If coconut oil was purchased in a plastic container, it should be poured into a bottle of dark glass, for example, from wine. The bottle must first be washed and dried.
Important! If the composition contains any additives or preservatives, casting it into a suitable container, the shelf life will not be prolonged.
Temperature Regime
Depending on the storage temperature, coconut oil can be either liquid or solid. Its useful properties do not depend on this. Transfer oil from one consistency to another quite easily, it freezes at a temperature below +25 degrees. If coconut oil thickened, you can not worry about what to do, but just lower it for a minute under a stream of warm water.
Important! It is impossible to freeze the oil, in the freezer its useful properties will not be preserved. It is better to choose for him the top shelf of the refrigerator.
The optimum storage temperature is between 4 and 20 degrees. A suitable place will be a refrigerator, but you can store it in the kitchen cupboard or in the pantry. If the oil is used for cosmetic purposes, it must be melt before use. To do this, you can put it on a water bath or a warm battery.
Lighting and air
After opening the package, coconut oil is best stored in a dark-colored glass container with a tight lid that will not allow air to pass through. Although it is almost not oxidized, it is better not to expose the oil to extra risk, leaving access to air and direct sunlight.
Features of storage of capsules and ampoules
If coconut oil was purchased in capsules or ampoules, it is important to know in advance how to store it at home. Typically, the capsules are sold in a protective package, which is best preserved. It will protect the contents of clear glass or plastic ampoules from direct sunlight.
To check if the contents have deteriorated, you need to break one of them and squeeze out some liquid. It should not have any signs of rancid oil, it should be clear or slightly yellowish.
Important! The opened capsule should be used immediately and do not store it for more than 12 hours.
Keep the capsules in a dark cool place - first-aid kit or closet, and shortly before the expiration date - about three months - you should hide them in the refrigerator.
Features of storing
own cooking oil This useful cosmetic and food product can be prepared by yourself. The technology is quite affordable and does not require special equipment. Shelf life is not too big - only 2 weeks, so after cooking you need to pour the oil in a dark bottle and put it in the refrigerator.
Features of storage of edible oil
In food, as a rule, hot pressed oil is used. This involves solving the problem of storing coconut oil in favor of a refrigerator. Thus, it is possible to substantially extend the period of its suitability for use.
But despite the ability to store for a long time, do not buy this product in reserve. The fresher it is, the more benefits it can bring, so it is better to replenish the oil reserves gradually, in small quantities.
Coconut oil can be used in many ways, but in any case it is important to follow the rules for its storage. This will determine how long it will be possible to use it. With proper storage, the coconut butterfly can retain its useful properties for up to a year.