How to properly store natural coconut oil. Coconut oil: how to store at home

To date, the most popular in the application are natural oils that preserve the quality and health. Let's look at one of these oils - Coconut oil. In the manufacture of oil, flavors and other chemicals are excluded, which is safe and beneficial for the human body. Nature has endowed coconut with healing properties that do not require extraneous artificial intervention of chemical additives that are harmful to us.
Ingredients of Miracle Coconut Oil:
Hyaluronic acid (creates a moist environment on the surface of the skin);
Lauric acid (provides antibacterial action);
Triglycerides of saturated fatty acids (allow the oil to quickly absorb into the skin);
palmitic acid;
caprylic acid;
Oleic acid;
capric acid;
Stearic acid;
Linolenic acid;
Arachidonic acid;
Capric acid.

Thanks to such a rich assortment of compositions, coconut oil is one of the best moisturizing, softening, nourishing and protective skin and hair care products.
Regular use of this oil allows you to prolong youth, preventing the appearance of wrinkles, while also keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.

Signs of spoiled coconut oil:
Strange smell, for example, smoked sausage. Most likely it went rancid due to non-compliance with the shelf life.
Bright yellow color. The natural color of solid oil is white, while liquid oil is slightly whitish.
Bitter taste indicates oxidation of the product.
Important!!!
At temperatures below +25 degrees, the liquid begins to harden.
Storing in the freezer will not extend the shelf life.
Close the lid tightly after each use to prevent rancidity.
To extend the shelf life, store the product in the refrigerator.
A jar of coconut oil is an inexpensive but very valuable souvenir that you can bring from Thailand.

Medicinal uses for coconut oil:
1. Characteristic in application, as an anti-inflammatory effect
2. Prevents the formation of wrinkles
3. Moisturizes, nourishes and softens the skin
4. The applied protective layer of coconut oil contributes to an even and beautiful tan
5. Maintains healthy nail structure
6. Can relieve stress and mental fatigue
7. Restores the hair structure (oil is applied 30 minutes before washing the hair (you can leave it overnight). Massage the oil from roots to ends, then rinse off with shampoo. If you leave the oil all night, it is advisable to put a plastic cap on your head or kerchief to avoid staining your bed linen and also to improve the absorption of the oil's nutrients, then wash off with shampoo (shampoo will need to be reapplied several times)
8. Beneficial effect on the functional state of the thyroid gland
9. Reduces the risk of developing diseases of the digestive system (take a mixture of warm boiled water with pre-melted coconut oil (in the amount of 1-2 tablespoons)
10. It is useful for patients with type II diabetes (prevents the development of obesity)
11. Prevents the development of caries (1 tablespoon of oil, rinse your mouth for 15-20 minutes)
12. Prevents the development of fatty degeneration of the liver, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis

Ways to use coconut oil in cooking:
1. Coconut oil is one of the traditional ingredients in the cuisine of Southeast Asian countries (used as a dressing for salads, for making popcorn, meat dishes, shrimp, rice and vegetables with curry and other oriental spices)
2. The uniqueness of coconut oil is resistance to oxidation and heat treatments (does not lose its taste and useful properties when heated to high temperatures, and therefore can be used for frying and deep-fried dishes)
3. In the preparation of desserts, this oil is ideally combined with the aroma of vanilla, which makes pastries, cheesecakes, cottage cheese casseroles and pancakes just great.
4. For health benefits, it is also recommended to spread it on toast, add it to cereals, milk soups and milkshakes, coffee, hot chocolate, and various dishes for baby food.

Coconut oil is a completely natural product that does not contain any additives or preservatives. Not surprisingly, many people ask themselves how to store coconut oil at home. Coconut oil differs from other fats in its relatively long shelf life. It does not oxidize for a long time and does not go rancid. But in order to remain fresh, certain conditions must be observed. Which? Let's talk about it in the article.

Can Coconut Oil Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

Many people assume that the refrigerator is the best place to store coconut oil. Actually it is not. Every time you open a jar of coconut oil, some air enters. In the refrigerator, it cools, resulting in condensation, which creates an excellent environment for the development of microbes and bacteria. A large amount of condensate can cause the oil to deteriorate quickly.

Also, if you store coconut oil in the refrigerator, it becomes too hard and difficult to portion. If the oil is stored in a cupboard at room temperature, it has a very smooth creamy texture and is ready to use immediately.

Where to store coconut oil

Where is the best place to store natural? Coconut oil stays fresh the longest if stored in a covered and cool place. During the cooler months, a kitchen cabinet is ideal for storage. It is dark, cool and dry there - these are the best conditions for storing coconut oil. The oil container must always be closed. If you use the oil not only for cooking, but also for cosmetic purposes, transfer some of the oil to another jar and store it in a bathroom cabinet.

To prolong the shelf life of unrefined coconut oil, it should not be stored in direct sunlight. This will avoid the oxidation and hydrolysis of fats, in other words, rancidity. Under the influence of light, oxygen and moisture, the oil can acquire an unpleasant taste and smell. Condensation does not form at room temperature.

When the air temperature rises above 24°C, the coconut oil melts. This is absolutely normal and is not a sign of poor quality. Coconut oil can be stored in both solid and liquid form. If you are not satisfied with the liquid consistency, and there is no cooler room, for example, a cellar, transfer a little oil to a separate bowl. You can put this container of oil in the refrigerator and use it as soon as possible.

Storage conditions for coconut oil. What to pay attention to

• The container in which coconut oil is stored must be clean. Anything that enters the jar from the outside can become an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic organisms and bacteria.
• Coconut oil should be stored in tightly closed jars and containers. In a sealed container, the oil will not be afraid even of high humidity.
• Coconut oil should not be scooped with a wet spoon to prevent moisture from entering the jar.
• The spoon or knife for portioning coconut oil must be clean. Never take oil with your hands!
• If there is an unpleasant odor or a sudden change in color, the oil should be discarded immediately.

How long does coconut oil last

Stored properly, coconut oil stays fresh for a long time. The shelf life of coconut oil after opening is more than a year, and in a closed jar it can be stored for several years.

But in order to ensure that all the useful properties of the product are preserved, try not to open several cans at the same time. If you're using coconut oil for a variety of purposes, such as cosmetics, cooking, or pet care, place some of the oil in different containers instead of keeping a whole jar in each room. This way the coconut oil will stay fresh for a long time and its quality will not suffer. Try not to make bulk purchases unless absolutely necessary, but restock as you use them.

How to store coconut oil at home. Conclusion

• should be stored at room temperature in a dark place in a sealed container.
• Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated.
• You can only take a serving of oil from a jar with a clean spoon.
• After use, the jar of coconut oil should be closed immediately.

Coconut oil appeared on the market not so long ago, but it has already proven itself as a cosmetic product for hair care and problem skin. Although in East Asia, where it is most often produced from the pulp of a real coconut, it is also used for food, replacing sunflower and even olive oil with it.

Meanwhile, many young ladies are not yet so advanced as to fill salads with coconut oil, but hair masks are made with great pleasure. To do this, they buy coconut oil in a pharmacy, supermarket or order it via the Internet.

But, having acquired a cherished bottle, many are wondering: how to store coconut oil at home so that it does not lose its properties?

• The composition of coconut oil includes polyunsaturated acids: oleic, linolenic, arachidonic, capric, stearic, myristic, palmitoic, which the body needs for its normal functioning.
• This oil is rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamins E, A, C.
• The oil normalizes the level of cholesterol in the blood.
• It has antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
• It is used to treat dermatitis and eczema.
• Coconut masks make hair soft and manageable.
• Coconut oil improves the condition of dry skin. It increases its firmness and elasticity.
• Coconut oil helps in weight loss.
• There are no special contraindications for its use, but in case of individual intolerance, it should be abandoned.

How to choose quality coconut oil

• Coconut oil should be bought from trusted sellers: in large stores, in a pharmacy, at specially designated points.
• Resting in those countries where coconut grows, you should not buy coconut oil from street vendors specializing in the sale of national souvenirs, as well as this oil packaged in eye-catching beautiful containers. Most often, it is for the container that the price is set, and the quality of the oil can be far from the standard.
• When buying, pay attention to the color of the oil. It can be light, almost transparent, or have a light straw yellow tint. It depends on the method of its manufacture, as coconut oil is produced by cold pressing (pressing) or hot. That is, it can be both refined and unrefined.
• Unrefined oil is produced by pressing the inner flesh of the coconut. This produces very little raw material. But it is rich in all the beneficial trace elements that make up coconut, and also has a pleasant aroma characteristic of fresh coconut. Of course, it is also expensive.
• Refined coconut oil is produced by a hot process. Much more is obtained from the same amount of coconuts. It does not have the smell that unrefined oil has, and there are a little less useful substances in it. Therefore, it costs less.
• It is necessary to pay attention to the consistency of the oil, while taking into account the temperature in the room in which it was located immediately before purchase.
• The fact is that the melting point of coconut oil is + 25 °. Therefore, the cooled oil will have a thick, possibly heterogeneous consistency, consisting of lumps of different sizes. Warm oil is thin and clear.

Having bought coconut oil, many people think about whether it should be put in the refrigerator or left at room temperature.

How to properly store coconut oil

In order for coconut oil to retain all its beneficial properties and not go rancid, you need to create ideal storage conditions for it.

The quality of the oil is affected by light, temperature, air and, of course, the container in which it is stored.

Light

Any product in the world deteriorates. And oil is no exception. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure that no light falls on it - neither solar nor electric. This means that the container with oil should be in a cabinet with closing doors or in a refrigerator.

Temperature

Despite this difference in temperature conditions, the oil can be stored both in the room and in the refrigerator. But there is still a limitation. In room conditions, the oil can stand without losing its properties if the temperature in the room does not rise above 18 °, because heat is contraindicated for coconut oil, as well as cold.

The refrigerator maintains a positive temperature - up to + 5-6 °, and these are good conditions for storing oil. But it cannot be stored in the freezer.

Tara

If the oil is in its factory packaging - a glass bottle, ampoule or vial, it does not need to be poured into another container.

But sometimes the oil is poured into the wrong container, for example, into a bottle that does not close tightly. Then it must be poured into another container with an airtight lid or stopper. The main thing is that there is no access to air inside, since when the oil comes into contact with oxygen, it will oxidize. If the oil is stored in an open container, it will go rancid.

How long does coconut oil last

There should be information on the shelf life of coconut oil on the packaging. And it must be adhered to.

Usually the shelf life is 1 year. But this does not mean that exactly after 12 months the oil should be thrown away, because if it is in the refrigerator, it can be stored much longer than something that is in the room.

The purposes for which this oil was purchased are also taken into account, since for external use the shelf life is more loyal than for ingestion.

During storage, pay attention to the appearance of the oil. If it has changed color, becoming bright yellow, or an unpleasant odor has appeared, it should not be used. At least for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. But in everyday life it can still do the service, as they say that it is an excellent furniture polish.

But in order not to throw away coconut oil that has passed its expiration date, you do not need to buy too much of it. After all, it doesn't cost a penny!

It is better to use fresh every time than to lament about wasted money and a spoiled product.

05/14/2018 0 1 253 views

Given the interest of the general public in a new product for them, is it worth figuring out how to properly store coconut oil at home? For the first time, this product appeared in large quantities with us after the wide spread of travel agencies associated with trips to Thailand: after all, it is Thai women who have been using oil pomace from the pulp of a mature coconut for many centuries to care for both their hair and body.

Prepared in a special way, it is used for face care and for the most delicate areas of the skin around the eyes. Moreover, for the purposes of cosmetology, only the first cold-pressed oil is used, and necessarily natural refined, as it is purer.

What is coconut oil and what is it made from?

Let's start with the main thing: coconut oil and a product called "palm oil", which has been subjected to considerable criticism recently, have nothing in common!

These two substances are even extracted from the fruits of different types of palms: coconut (as the name implies) from the fruits of the coconut palm, and palm - from the fruits of the oilseed, which, as such, are not used for food, but only serve to squeeze them out. oils.

They also differ in cost - coconut, especially the first cold pressing, is more expensive. Unrefined, preserving the whole complex of flavors of ripe coconut and the richness of its vitamin set, it is mainly used in cooking: in confectionery, where it gives an exquisite taste in creams and fillings for cakes and pastries, in the preparation of cheesecakes, casseroles, pancakes, toasts. And also for frying products of vegetable and animal origin.

Those who have tried Thai cuisine remember the amazing taste of chicken fried in this oil or green and red bananas specially cultivated for this purpose.

Beneficial features

food

The oil is rich in saturated fatty acids. In particular, a high content (up to 45%) of lauric acid. Therefore, the calorie content of 100 grams of the product is high - about 890 calories. However, it is used in special weight loss diets! The fact is that it acts as a catalyst for fat burning in the body, while lowering the feeling of hunger.

And if we take into account that not only the external, subcutaneous, but also the so-called “internal” fat, which is much more dangerous for the body, “burns out”, then the importance of such oil in a special diet can hardly be overestimated.

However, one should still remember about its high calorie content and, as a result, that the doses of the product should be small and balanced, and the use should be under the supervision of a nutritionist.

Therapeutic

• It removes "heavy" cholesterol of animal origin from the body and helps the formation of "light" ones that do not clog blood vessels, that is, high-density lipoproteins.
• Prevents and treats diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Lauric acids increase the infectious threshold of a person, and hence immunity to fungi, bacteria, viruses.
• Helps dissolve kidney stones. In the Indian medical practices of Ayurveda, a whole course is devoted to this.
• When rubbed into the gums, it eliminates bad breath, reduces bleeding, and whitens teeth.
• It has a persistent and highly therapeutic effect in the treatment of various dermatitis, eczema, softens, and at times completely stops the course of psoriasis, depending on its etiology.
• If you add to hot chocolate, milk or cocoa, you get an excellent cold remedy.

Cosmetic

• Tones, restores skin elasticity, moisturizes it. Since it is perfectly and quickly absorbed, it promotes the healing of microcracks in the skin, especially on the rough areas of the fingers, soles of the feet, and heels.
• When applied to the scalp, it treats dandruff, strengthens hair follicles, preventing hair loss. Nourishes hair, making it supple and shiny.
• Applied to problematic age-related changes in the skin of the face, smoothes fine wrinkles.

Compound

• saturated fatty acids: palmitic, stearic, caprylic, capric, lauric, caproic, butyric;
• monounsaturated: nervonic, oleic, palmitoleic;
• polyunsaturated acids omega-6 and omega-3;
• the remaining 1% is water.

Contraindications for use

Harmful effects have not been identified, except that a person may have an individual intolerance. In order to pre-identify possible allergenicity for a particular consumer, a small amount should be applied to the neck, face and forearms. If within two hours the skin does not turn red, there is no burning sensation or itching, the oil can be used for cosmetic purposes.

In addition, one should be aware of its high calorie content when used as an edible fat for food.

It can cause an exacerbation in cholecystitis and pancreatitis - however, like any other fats of animal or vegetable origin.

What affects its shelf life and what conditions are needed for this?

The cosmetic and perfumery industries, with their production volumes, use preservative additives in the preparation of ointments, creams, shampoos and soaps from coconut oil. Only they contribute to the preservation of the quality of coconut oil for a long time.

But, naturally, this method of preservation is unacceptable when a person buys pure oil in the country of origin. It is expensive and unsafe - preservative additives, substances from group E, are introduced in carefully calculated, microscopic quantities at a pre-calculated temperature and kneading time.

Where and how to store coconut oil after opening?

To increase the shelf life, keep both cosmetic and edible coconut oil in the refrigerator at a temperature of 0 to plus 4⁰. The main thing is to ensure the tightness of the packaging so that, like any other fat, it does not absorb foreign odors. And protect from light - photo sensitivity will make the light yellow, and this will reduce efficiency.

It is better not to use storage in the freezer - crystallization during freezing with long periods of storage can become irreversible. Remember that you still have a tropical product in front of you, in the properties of which frost resistance is not planned!

How to understand that the product is already damaged?

If after storage in the refrigerator, under all the above conditions, the oil has not changed its taste, color, texture, then its residues should be used within two, no more, months.

If the listed signs have changed, it is not recommended to use the product in any form.

Video: use and storage of coconut oil.

Unique properties

If you are on a diet, but unable to give up fried foods, then you should know that during the high-temperature cooking process, up to 170 degrees, when using coconut oil, its taste is not lost and carcinogenic substances are not formed.

The strength of bones in the human body is impossible without calcium, but this element is not absorbed by the body without the presence of fats, and no matter what - animal or vegetable origin! Therefore, for people who follow a vegetarian or even vegan diet, the use of this product in food is not forbidden.

Refined coconut oil does not have the characteristic taste and smell of unrefined coconut oil. Therefore, in traditional European cuisine, it is indispensable in the preparation of children's and dietary dishes, as well as for giving an unusual and exquisite taste to salads and vegetable smoothies.

Can you make your own coconut oil?

1. On the outer surface of a nut bought in a store, in the place where it was attached to a palm tree, four marks are found - the places of the stalk. Drill two holes to drain the milk.
2. Then the top is separated with a knife or a file, the copra is cleaned, rubbed on a coarse grater, poured with hot water (temperature 50-60⁰); then wait for cooling, after which they put in the refrigerator.
3. Carefully remove the fatty crust formed after cooling, place in a clean container, melt. But do not boil, remembering that the melting temperature of coconut oil is about 24 degrees!
4. Pour into a dark glass or ceramic container. Cover tightly with a lid to keep fresh air out to prevent oxidation. Put it back in the refrigerator.

Such freshly melted butter is used, as a rule, for face masks, and, first of all, for the skin around the eyes and on the eyelids. Note that about 50 mg of oil is obtained from one coconut oil.

Meat and adding to porridge. In storage, it is not capricious, but you still need to follow certain rules so that the oil does not lose its properties before the expiration date. The article details how to store and.

Expiration dates

First, let's figure out what can be called natural coconut oil:

It is considered natural unrefined cold-pressed product. It is the most beneficial for the human body, as it contains valuable vitamins and minerals that are found in coconuts.

Refined products are less useful than cold-pressed oils. After thermal and chemical treatment, almost no valuable components remain in it. This oil is used in soap making and in the confectionery industry. It is stored for a long time and requires the same storage conditions as the familiar vegetable oil that is used for frying.

We will talk about natural unrefined coconut oil, which needs not only special storage conditions, but also special containers and temperature conditions. Its expiration date may vary depending on which country it was brought from.

From India

The main volumes of coconut oil come to the Russian market from India. There it is made on an industrial scale and be sure to indicate the expiration date on the package. Usually it is 6 months (if stored in the refrigerator). The refined product is stored longer - 1 year.

If the composition contains a preservative, then the shelf life increases to two years. But it does not add any benefit to the product.

From Thailand

Coconut oil is also brought from Thailand to the Russian market, but most often tourists buy it right there because of the lower cost. It is better to buy it in small family firms, where they use artisanal, but proven and safe technologies. The shelf life of oil from Thailand is 6 months.

From Vietnam

In Vietnam, coconut oil is firmly established in everyday life. It is especially actively used in cooking: it is fried, sweets are made and added wherever possible. Because of this, the bulk of the oil is hot pressed. But you can also find natural, unrefined. Its shelf life is the same as that of Indian and Thai butter - 6 months, provided that it is refrigerated.

IMPORTANT! If the expiration date is not indicated on the bottle or jar, it is better not to take such a product. But if there are no complaints about the quality (color, smell, consistency), you can buy it, but use it as soon as possible: 2-3 months.

How to store at home?

When storing oil for a long time and incorrectly, the following occurs: the product gradually oxidizes, its composition changes, and valuable properties disappear. As a result, the product becomes completely unusable.

So that the oil does not lose its properties and during the entire shelf life, it must be properly stored and used for this purpose in the appropriate container.

Storage conditions

The most important condition is the air temperature not higher than +25˚С. At this temperature, the product becomes liquid and translucent. It is even better if it is stored in the refrigerator at temperatures up to + 4 ° C. In the refrigerator, the oil solidifies and turns white.

Do not store coconut oil in the freezer at freezing temperatures. Freezing adversely affects its quality.

ADVICE! If necessary, you can transfer the oil from the refrigerator to the cabinet and back - from the fact that it will change its consistency, its composition and properties will not change in any way.

Another important condition is light. The less light that hits the jar of oil, the better. Because it is in the light that it oxidizes faster and loses its valuable properties. This applies not only to sunlight, but also to household light: from lamps and other lighting fixtures in the house.

In what dish?

Properly selected containers are another condition that must be observed when storing coconut oil. It must be glass and dark so that as little light as possible gets through the glass.

If the product was purchased by weight / in bulk, after purchase it must be poured into some kind of glass bottle or jar with a tight lid or stopper that will not let air through.

IMPORTANT! Do not store coconut oil in plastic or metal containers. It will deteriorate quickly.

What you need to know when buying?

It happens that coconut oil is gone even before use, and it is sold as fresh and of high quality. This can happen in a small shop with oils, and when buying a product in an online store of a well-known manufacturer.

What does it represent?

natural unrefined coconut oil can be either liquid or solid. Both states are natural for him and depend on the ambient temperature.

The product has a pronounced smell of coconut. Smells very tasty and strong. Refined has no such smell.

To the touch, the oil is greasy, quickly melts in the fingers, may have small grains - the remnants of coconut pulp that have not been completely ground to the end.

What does it look like fresh?

Fresh coconut oil has a number of signs that make it immediately clear that it was stored correctly:

• It has white color. A spoiled product changes color from white to golden or even bright yellow.
• It has a bright but pleasant aroma. A spoiled product smells like rancid butter (just remember the smell of rancid butter or old sunflower oil).
• The surface is clean smooth/rough. A stale product may develop mold fluff on the surface.
• The taste is delicate, slightly sweet. The stale little betrays itself with a strange, bitter aftertaste.

How to choose quality?

It is best to choose and buy coconut oil where you can smell it, carefully examine it and try it. This is the only way to evaluate its quality and make sure that it is fresh. You can't do this by buying a product in an online store.

Trade tents, underground shops and other hot spots are also not the best places to buy coconut oil. It is easy to run into a fake there and buy a product that is completely useless and even dangerous to health.

It is better to buy products from trusted sellers or from those recommended by friends. But all the same, when buying, you need to make sure that high-quality raw materials are used for manufacturing, for this you can ask to see samples (sometimes sellers make small probes) or take a small jar to test at home.

So that the buyer does not get confused and chooses high-quality coconut oil, we have compiled a small cheat sheet:

• The most useful oil is unrefined, cold pressed.
• It is stored at a temperature from +4˚C to +25˚C, only in a glass container and in a dark place.
• The expiration date should be indicated on the bottle (no more than 6-12 months).
• Fresh oil smells good, has a white color and a delicate taste.
• The product can have 2 forms: liquid and solid. This is fine.

Storing coconut oil at home: expiration dates and what you need to know when using?