Shelf life of opened linseed oil. Types, properties and application of the product

Flaxseed oil is a product containing fatty acids necessary for the human body. The use of this substance is recommended for dietary and vegetarian nutrition. It is also actively used in cosmetology. But this substance is very delicate and requires special storage.

They create oil from flax seed, which is grown in many regions of Russia. Various technologies are used for its production. The most useful oil is unrefined.

It is produced by cold pressing. In special presses, a clear golden liquid is squeezed out of the peeled seeds. After it is defended to reduce sediment, bottled and sent to stores and pharmacies.

A refined additive is also produced, also by cold pressing, and the precipitate is removed by chemical treatment. Such a product has a lighter color, it almost does not form a precipitate even after several months of storage. But the beneficial properties of this substance are less pronounced.

The clear juice from the seeds is not heated during production, as the elevated temperature completely deprives it of its beneficial properties.

When using it, too, should not be heated. Food is not cooked in such oil, but only added to salads or ready-made main courses. Knowing how to properly store linseed oil, you can use it to restore immunity, improve digestion and saturate the body with substances that are difficult to find in other products.

We observe the expiration date

Manufacturers of flax supplements indicate the shelf life of the product on the label.

It usually ranges from 3 months to 1 year. The duration depends on the production method and packaging features. For example, linseed oil lasts longer in glass bottles than in plastic.

Therefore, having bought a product in a polymer container, immediately pour it into a glass vial. Dark glass packaging has the longest shelf life. And in order to further extend the period of use, even glass containers are also placed in a box so that sunlight does not fall on the contents.

After the expiration date, the use of the substance is not recommended.

The golden liquid loses its beneficial properties, and this is not reflected in its taste in the best way. After 6–12 months, it becomes rancid or even slightly sour. This is a signal that the product can no longer be used as a dietary supplement.

Home storage rules

How to store linseed oil if it is already open? There are a few simple guidelines:

• Always close the cap on the bottle tightly. Fatty acids easily react with air, which leads to a decrease in beneficial properties. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the interaction of matter and air. Sometimes the oil is even poured into a container with a narrow neck, but this manipulation must be carried out very quickly.
• An open vial is kept in the refrigerator. Sunlight, which the product is afraid of, does not penetrate there, and there is an optimal temperature (no higher than 10 degrees). But it is important to put the bottle not in the coldest zone; placement on the door is ideal for it.
• After opening the vial, the contents can be used within 60 days. Then the quality of the product starts to deteriorate. Therefore, it is better to buy oil in a small package, but more often.
• If flaxseed oil has been in the sun and spent at least 30 minutes there, it is better not to use it in the diet. Under the influence of ultraviolet fatty acids are destroyed, and the usefulness is lost completely.

How to Consume Flaxseed Oil Products

If a dish with a flaxseed food supplement was not eaten immediately, you should not store it until the next time, even in the refrigerator.

The oil loses its beneficial properties within 15–20 minutes after being exposed to air. The product oxidizes and an unpleasant bitterness appears. The fact that the oil has deteriorated will tell an unpleasant sour smell.

Storing flaxseed oil is easy, but keeping an eye on the expiration date is important. You should not buy a product in draft form, because in the process of transportation and sale it interacts with air too often, which spoils its composition and reduces its usefulness.

Unsaturated fatty acids, which are contained in flaxseed oil, are quickly oxidized, respectively, its shelf life is relatively short. By the way, the oil goes rancid faster than flax seeds.

What does linseed oil taste like?

The fresh product has a clean, expressive and moderately nutty taste and smell.

Should linseed oil be bitter? In general, there is some bitterness in fresh oil, but it may not be noticeable to everyone.

However, when it has spoiled, it will be bitter in taste, and as if "burned".

You can simply check: put oil on the back of the spoon, and run your tongue along it to touch the entire surface of the spoon. After that, remove the spoon, and run your tongue over the palate - so you can determine its taste.

If we talk about seeds, then you can chew a handful, and you will immediately feel the taste.

Appearance

The fresh product has a transparent, uniform color with a golden yellow tint.

Fresh flaxseed is firm, cinnamon or golden yellow in color, without spots, cracks or loss of pigment.

How to store linseed oil?

The product spoils due to the oxidation of fats, which is affected by air, heat and light. In other words, if you leave butter in the kitchen, somewhere on the table, poorly closed, in the light, then it will spoil faster than if it is tightly closed, stored in a cool and dark room.

Therefore, it is better to store flax oil in a dark place (even better - in the refrigerator).

If we talk about seeds, then the whole seed can be stored for up to a year, in an opaque, airtight container, in the refrigerator. Under the same conditions, ground flax seeds will “live” for about six months (especially if in the freezer).

Can expired linseed oil be used?

When it goes rancid, not only does the taste, color and smell change, but the content of useful omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, for which this product is especially valued, also drops.

Thus, it is better not to bring to such a state. What's more, the oxidized fats in oils and seeds can increase inflammation in the body, and even have toxic effects.

The oxidation process not only destroys the vitamins in fats, but also encourages the formation of harmful components that can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological problems, and early aging of the body.

Minimize any contact of oil with light sources. It is best to store it in the refrigerator or in a dark cabinet.

Before using the oil, take it out of the refrigerator for 10 minutes to let it warm up a bit.

The maximum benefit from the seeds can be obtained if they are ground into a powder immediately before eating.

Never store either oil or seeds above room temperature.

Of course, always check the flaxseed oil expiration date on the packaging before buying, and before using.

According to materials:
1. healthyeating.sfgate.com/flax-rancid-11223.html

2. healthyeating.sfgate.com/flaxseed-expire-11185.html

• … to the beginning of the article about the benefits and harms of flaxseed oil >>>

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Is linseed oil harmful?

Without a doubt, being a supplier of nutrients, linseed oil is a useful product. It is the richest source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. More specifically, the richest source of alpha-linolenic acid.

In addition, this oil contains a significant amount of vitamin E, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and various phytonutrients. It can be used as a dietary supplement, but many consumers know little about the dangers and possible side effects. Let's talk?

7 harmful properties and side effects

Here is a compilation of some of the harmful properties of flaxseed oil. Pay attention to them, some negative properties can be serious.

1.Rapid oxidation spoils the product and leads to fire

Flaxseed oil is not intended for heat treatment, as it is subject to rapid and severe oxidation. This happens when interacting with air and the process accelerates when heated.

Oxidation produces harmful free radicals.

Therefore, you can not fry on it or add to hot food. Do not store it outdoors in an open container. Store only in the refrigerator.

If the conditions and terms of storage are violated, the oil will go rancid. Due to the presence of ketones, epoxides and aldehydes in rancid oil, it should not be eaten.

For the curious: oil is a liquid continuous medium, with a molecular weight of 450-500 and a density of 0.9, we get a mole of about 0.5 liters.

For the addition (complete oxidation) of 1 double bond, 22.4 liters of oxygen = 100 liters of air are needed. In this case, everything must be mixed well. A half empty 0.25 L bottle contains 125 ml of air, or about 0.01 mole of oxygen.

125 ml oil = 1/4 mole. Therefore, the limiting oxidation state = 4%. Too much! Conclusion, you need to buy oil in a small container.

For the curious: Linseed oil spontaneously polymerizes in the open air with an exothermic reaction. A cloth soaked in oil may ignite spontaneously.

2. sunlight will ruin the oil

Linseed oil deteriorates from exposure to direct and indirect sunlight. Therefore, it must be stored in a dark place, and it is desirable to purchase it in a darkened container. Otherwise, the body will receive harm, not benefit.

3. short shelf life even in the refrigerator

After opening the bottle, the shelf life of healthy linseed oil is 1 month. The sooner it is eaten after opening, the less likely it is to saturate the body with free radicals instead of useful omega-3 acids.

Tip: buy products from a well-known manufacturer and pay attention to the expiration date.

4. harm of linseed oil for women

Although there are not many specific harmful properties, it is still better to know about them. Here is a description of the harmful qualities of flaxseed oil for women's health.

5. excessive consumption

There are no specific recommendations for this. The product usually does not cause allergies, and its overdose does not threaten serious side effects. The main harm from excessive consumption of flaxseed oil is that it causes loose stools.

Excessive consumption of oil can harm the following categories of people:

• pregnant women;
• nursing mothers;
• suffering from hormonal imbalance.

It is worth noting: flaxseed oil contains phytoesrogens that duplicate the hormone estrogen.

6. if there are stones

Contraction of the muscles of the urinary and biliary tract can lead to the infringement of the stones present in them. This will cause an attack of pain at the site of infringement. Therefore, people with stones in the organs should not use pure linseed oil (like any other vegetable oil), or this should be done with extreme caution.

7. harm from flaxseed oil when taking medication

Flaxseed oil can be harmful to people who use painkillers, as well as certain drugs for lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and against diabetes. People taking blood thinners should also avoid flaxseed oil, as it prevents blood from clotting.

The use of the product is contraindicated for those taking antiviral drugs and antidepressants, as well as for women using oral contraceptives. Avoid using flaxseed oil if you are taking laxatives.

In any case, when taking medications and with chronic diseases, you should consult your doctor. Perhaps you need a special diet and there will be no place for linseed oil in it.

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Interesting about the dangers of products:

Many people know about flaxseed and even use it to treat gastritis or as a laxative. It is also a raw material for the production of linseed oil, which is not as popular as sunflower or olive oil, but is not inferior to them in terms of the amount of useful substances.

Useful properties of linseed oil

• Flaxseed oil contains oleanic, linoleic, stearic and palmitic acids, which are polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• It contains vitamins C, E, folic acid, estrogen-like phytohormones, as well as enzymes, proteins, mucus.
• This oil has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and enveloping effect, so it is used for stomach ulcers, gastritis, enteritis and colitis.
• Vitamin F, which is essentially a mixture of polyunsaturated fatty acids, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and blood circulation.
• Flaxseed oil is used in cosmetology, adding to various creams and masks.
• It is added to food or used separately from food to maintain health and beauty.
  But before you buy a bottle of linseed oil, you need to know some of its features.

How to choose quality flaxseed oil

• Linseed oil quickly deteriorates under adverse conditions and becomes rancid. If it was stored in the light or at an elevated temperature before purchase, then such oil should be discarded.
• Also, you should not buy oil in large containers, because after opening it can be stored without loss of taste and nutritional qualities for no more than a month.
• The linseed oil bottle should be made of dark glass so that the product is not exposed to light.
• It should not contain any additives, flavors or preservatives.

Read more How to store avocados

Linseed oil differs from other vegetable oils in a large amount of fatty acids, which quickly thicken when exposed to air. In this case, polymerization occurs, the surface of the oil dries quickly and is covered with a thin, durable film.

What container to store flaxseed oil

• So that the oil does not dry out, it is stored in a well-closed container. For this purpose, hermetically sealed bottles with a narrow neck are best suited.
• Oil containers should be made of opaque glass so that the sun's rays do not start the oxidation process, which will turn the oil rancid.
• To prevent light from falling on the oil, it is stored in a dark cabinet away from heating appliances.
• Do not use plastic containers, otherwise harmful substances from plastic can pass into the product.
• For storage, it is best to use small containers filled with oil under the neck. If there is not much oil left in the bottle, it must be poured into a more suitable container.

At what temperature is flaxseed oil stored?

• Flaxseed oil keeps well at room temperature, if it is not higher than 23 °.
• Some housewives put butter in the refrigerator. But in this case, it will thicken and it will be difficult to get it out of the bottle. To restore the oil to its previous form, it must be left at room temperature for a while. But you can’t heat linseed oil, because it deteriorates during heat treatment.
• If the room is hot, the oil can be stored in the refrigerator, choosing the warmest place for this, for example, in the door.

Shelf life of linseed oil

Oil in a closed original packaging is stored for no more than one and a half years.

If the bottle is already open, then the oil poured into it must be used up within one month, otherwise it will then become a completely useless product.

Note to the owner

• Flaxseed oil can be used to dress salads and other cold dishes.
• This oil can be used as an independent product for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and to maintain immunity. The daily dose for an adult should not exceed 1 tbsp. spoons.
• It cannot be used for frying and other heat treatment, as it contains carcinogens that are harmful to health.
• Dishes seasoned with linseed oil should not be left not only for the next day, but even for several hours, as the product oxidizes and becomes bitter, thereby worsening the taste of the dish.

The popularity of linseed oil as a carrier of components that are especially useful for the human body is becoming more and more every year.

People acquire this product, unique in its composition, in different quantities and natural, in connection with this, the question becomes: how and where to store linseed oil.

How storage affects the properties of linseed oil

• as a useful food supplement;
• for the treatment of certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart;
• for cosmetic purposes;
• with dietary nutrition;
• to improve the condition of wool in animals;
• as a prophylactic.

For different purposes, a certain dosage and frequency of taking linseed oil is required. As a result, special attention must be paid to how to store flaxseed oil. It should be understood that improper storage can not only reduce the activity of beneficial properties, but also cause intestinal disorders and disorders in the work of many systems.

Particular attention should be paid to how to store linseed oil after opening the bottle. Since the high content of fatty acids is the main reason for the rapid drying of the oil composition in air, when the molecules of fatty acids stick together, they form polymer units. As a result of this reaction, the polymers differ in their characteristics from the previous molecules, which provokes the loss of the beneficial properties of flax.

Storage Requirements

People who use this product for long-term therapeutic or preventive procedures should follow certain rules on how to store flaxseed oil after opening.

Should be considered:

1. After opening, the oil bottle cannot be stored without a cap.
2. Products in which oil has been added - salads, cereals, should be eaten immediately.
3. Since open oil quickly oxidizes, allowing free radicals to form, close the lid immediately after taking the required amount.
4. The place where to store cold-pressed linseed oil or its unrefined composition is a refrigerator in which the temperature does not exceed 5 degrees.
5. When sediment appears, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the product can be used further only on the condition that this sediment is no more than 1% of the total volume.
6. Refined linseed oil is stored in a dark, cool place.
7. If the oil is rarely used, then it is better to purchase a small amount of it - a small bottle of 100 g.
8. The shelf life of the purchased oil can be found on the packaging or in the instructions attached to the product. Each manufacturer has its own storage requirements.
9. Fresh flaxseed oil has little or no nutty flavor. Unrefined fresh oil may be slightly bitter. If rancidity is felt in the oil, it has already deteriorated and cannot be used for food.

The shelf life of linseed oil after opening is standard - no more than two weeks, if stored in a cool place. No more than 1 month should be stored medicines that are prepared on the basis of linseed oil and other types of fat-containing components - vitamin E, fish oil, etc. This applies to cosmetics prepared at home and mixtures for animals.

According to generally accepted standards, bottled flax oil is stored at a temperature of no more than 23 degrees in a dark place, with low humidity. Shelf life if properly stored and unopened is 1 year from date of manufacture.

How long flaxseed oil is stored depends on how it is prepared under production conditions. Flaxseed oil, which goes on sale, is:

• refined;
• cold pressed.

Refined oil can be stored longer than cold-pressed flaxseed oil. In any case, you must follow the instructions on the packaging. According to useful characteristics, unrefined oil leaves more useful vitamins in the process of pressing using low temperatures, while refined oil leaves more fatty acids. The only difference is the shelf life.

In no case should flax oil be boiled or used after the statute of limitations has expired.

How to choose linseed oil

How useful linseed oil will be, storage affects, of course, in the first place.

But it is also worth paying attention when buying this product to other equally important features.

There are some important factors to consider:

1. There are several forms of production of linseed oil. It is sold in bottles of 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml and 1 liter, as well as in the form of capsules. Preference should be given to small packages if the intended service life is not more than 2 weeks.
2. Large bottles of flaxseed oil are best used for large animals or large numbers of people.
3. Capsules are very convenient for long-term use of flax oil as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent. They already have a dosed composition that is easy to use with a single application.
4. When choosing linseed oil, you need to look at the date of manufacture - the oil must be fresh.
5. The packaging in which the oil is stored must be dry, especially for capsules. High humidity can cause rapid deterioration of the product when it is opened.
6. Do not sound the alarm if a precipitate has formed in the purchased oil. This is often the case with cold-pressed oils.
7. You should pay attention to how linseed oil is stored in a pharmacy or store. If the requirements are violated, it is worth finding another place to buy it.
8. If the oil is used as an oral supplement or treatment, care should be taken to ensure that there are no additional impurities in the oil. Such options can only be welcomed in cosmetology.

It should be remembered that flax oil is beneficial only if it is properly selected and stored.

There are more and more fans of a healthy lifestyle every year. People who take care of themselves try to eat natural products, replace medicines and cosmetics with folk recipes.

These include linseed oil - a product known for its properties since ancient times. Golden pomace from flax seeds requires special storage conditions; if they are violated, it loses its taste and can be harmful to health.

Flax is a plant cultivated by the Slavs from time immemorial. The range of its application is quite wide:

• fabric manufacturing;
• medicine;
• cooking;
• cosmetology.

Oil is made from flax seeds in several ways. The most gentle is the cold pressing method, the absence of heat treatment allows you to save all its healing properties. Other methods: hot pressing and extraction (using solvents).

Flaxseed oil is a viscous liquid of golden color with a pleasant, unobtrusive odor. Its taste is somewhat reminiscent of peanuts.

At low temperatures, the product thickens, and upon contact with air, it oxidizes and becomes covered with a transparent, rather dense film.

The product contains many valuable vitamins and fatty acids for humans:

• folic acid;
• vitamins C, E;
• polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega3 and Omega6: linoleic, oleic, linolenic (in this indicator they surpass even fish oil);
• plant hormones;
• proteins.

When taken orally as little as 30 ml of flax seed oil per day, it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of many systems.:

• normalizes bowel function;
• heals damage to the gastric mucosa and prevents them;
• lowers blood pressure;
• strengthens blood vessels and cleanses them of cholesterol plaques;
• regulates metabolic processes in the body.

Flaxseed oil is extremely useful for women, it normalizes the menstrual cycle, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails, and also helps to maintain normal weight.

However, when overdosed, it can be harmful: it makes the blood thicker, which can lead to diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Where can you buy essential oils

The demand for flaxseed oil is quite high, so it is important to know where you can get it. If earlier it was possible to buy it mainly in a pharmacy, today it is sold in stores and even on the market.

Flaxseed oil can be refined and unrefined, the latter is considered more useful, it has the shortest shelf life - a year from the date of extraction, and in an open package, on average, a month, subject to all conditions.

Refined oil is purified, components are added that increase its shelf life by several months, however, such a product does not bring much benefit.

Pharmacies sell encapsulated oil, one unit contains a daily dose of consumption, it is convenient to buy it for medicinal purposes. Its shelf life is 12-18 months.

Linseed oil quickly loses its properties at high temperature and contact with light and air.

Criteria for buying a quality product:

1. Place.

It is better to buy in a pharmacy or a store. There is a constant temperature regime, unlike the market. If the room is hot and the bottle is in bright light, it is better to refuse to buy in this place

1. Spill date.

After opening, the oil retains its properties for about a month, so it must be fresh.

1. Compound.

Quality little should not contain deodorizing additives and preservatives.

1. Volume.

Due to the short shelf life, it is better to buy small bottles if you do not plan to use it in large quantities.

1. When buying oil for bottling, you need to smell and taste it.

A poor-quality product will be bitter and have a rather unpleasant odor.

If the oil is planned to be used for cosmetic purposes, the presence of additives that increase the shelf life is acceptable. If the product will be used in food as a dietary supplement, it is better to give preference to unrefined or buy it in capsules.

How to properly and how long to store the oil after opening

So that linseed oil does not lose its valuable properties, it is important to create certain conditions for it and know how long an open bottle can be stored:

1. Temperature regime.

Polyunsaturated acids and vitamins are destroyed at temperatures above 23°C. The optimal mode is 20-23°C. In extreme cases, you can keep it in the refrigerator door.

At this temperature, it may thicken, but, upon returning to room temperature, it will return to its normal state. You can not heat it in the microwave and in a water bath.

1. Illumination.

Useful elements lose their properties when exposed to sunlight. The place where the product is stored must be dark.

1. Humidity. Flaxseed oil should be stored in a dry place.

Particular attention should be paid to the container in which the product will be stored. It should be made of tinted glass or high-quality ceramics. It is desirable that it has a narrowed and hermetically sealed neck - this will reduce the contact of oil with air. The best option is a small brown glass bottle with a natural cork.

After opening, a bottle of unrefined oil can be stored for 2-4 weeks, preferably in the refrigerator door. In this case, sediment may appear on the bottom. This phenomenon is quite common for a raw product and does not affect its quality.

Refined oil can be stored for up to 6 weeks in a dark cupboard (away from stoves and radiators) or in a pantry. Capsules retain their properties for up to one and a half years.

Flaxseed oil is used to support the work of the digestive, cardiovascular systems, it has a particularly beneficial effect on the female body. When properly stored, it will be of great benefit to fans of a healthy diet.

Flaxseed oil can also be used in salad dressings, and added to homemade hair masks and skin care products. But how to store linseed oil after opening it, because then its shelf life is reduced, and useful qualities quickly disappear. Let's figure out how to properly store flaxseed oil and how to use it.

Features of storage of linseed oil

Flaxseed oil is a storehouse of vitamins and nutrients. Useful properties of this product are achieved due to the content:

• a large amount (in percentage terms) of unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 (lanolin), Omega-6 (linoleic) and Omega-9 (oleic);
• B vitamins, including folic acid, C, F, vitamin E (tocopherol) and phytohormones, analogues of female estrogens.

Flax seed oil is used in many areas:

• in industry - for the manufacture of paints and varnishes and floor coverings (linoleum);
• in cosmetology, including for the preparation of home care products with their own hands;
• in folk medicine and dietetics;
• as a dietary supplement of general strengthening and preventive action.

Dishes with linseed oil are popular with those who adhere to the rules of a healthy diet, follow the figure and prefer to use only natural products. But can you cook with flaxseed oil?

This product must not be heated or heat treated as epoxides, aldehydes, carcinogens and other compounds are released after exposure to heat. Eating food fried in flaxseed oil is dangerous.

Storage methods: 5 rules

The instructions supplied by the manufacturer with each flaxseed product contain information on use and describe the optimal storage conditions for flaxseed oil.

After purchase, linseed oil is stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of about 5 ° C. You can also place the bottle in the refrigerator door, but the container must be made of dark glass and tightly closed.

Such strict requirements are due to some features of the product. For example, it is associated with the following properties:

• When in contact with oxygen a polymerization process occurs when a dense film of sticky fatty acid molecules forms on the surface. Of course, all useful qualities in this case will be lost.
• Under the influence of heat and sunlight rancidity of the oil and the release of harmful substances.

Dishes with flaxseed oil dressing are best consumed immediately after preparation, because after half an hour irreversible processes start, the product rapidly loses all its valuable qualities, while changing taste and smell. If the oil is bitter, then it is better to refuse to use it.

What are the best ways to store and where to store linseed oil after opening?

Image	Description
	Rule 1 It is good if the bottle is made of dark green or brown glass. If the product was purchased in a plastic container or a transparent bottle, it must be poured.
	Rule 2 The bottle must always be tightly closed. Do not store oil without a lid. The ideal option is a lid with a dense plastic or natural cork. It is extremely important to minimize contact with air so that the product does not deteriorate.
	Rule 3 Optimum storage conditions - in the refrigerator. In a place where it will not freeze and crystallize. You can also hide the bottle in a kitchen cabinet or cellar, as long as it is cool (up to 23 °C) and dark. The shelf life directly affects the useful qualities of the product, so it is important to observe the temperature regime.
	Rule 4 For oil, it is better when there is no light at all. A dark and cool place - a nightstand, locker or cellar - is what you need.
	Rule 5 Do not forget that the shelf life of flaxseed oil shortens after opening the bottle. If pronounced rancidity is felt, the expiration date has expired, and the product is not suitable for internal use.

It is advisable to purchase linseed oil in small dark glass bottles with a tight lid, as in the photo. The likelihood that you will use up a liter container in a fairly short time is minimal, but small containers are easier to store.

Manufacturers may provide different information about expiration dates. But usually the shelf life after opening does not exceed a month (30 days). Ideally, the contents of the bottle should be consumed within two weeks.

The shelf life of oil in its original packaging without integrity damage can vary from six months to 12 months. Therefore, when buying, choose the bottle whose contents are “fresher”.

Where to use expired flaxseed oil? Unfortunately, like any spoiled product, it will have to be thrown away. Some manage to use it as a component of hair masks, but you should not expect a positive and healing effect.

Conclusion

Beautiful appearance and good health are the price of a proper lifestyle and healthy nutrition. The use of linseed oil in food and in the creation of homemade beauty products for personal care is extremely useful, because a rare product can boast such a rich composition.

The maximum preservation of all useful qualities during the entire shelf life is achieved if the storage conditions are observed. I talked about this in detail. The video in this article will reinforce the words with visual instructions. And if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.

Flaxseed oil is deservedly considered one of the most useful among vegetable fats. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, has a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Only 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil, taken in the morning on an empty stomach, will help improve immunity, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and overall health. However, it is worth remembering that oil will be useful only if stored properly. How, where and how long can linseed oil be stored? Let's figure it out.

Home storage rules

Unlike other oils, linseed oil is very susceptible to environmental conditions and therefore oxidizes quickly. When storing it, it is important to follow many important rules.

• Use the correct container. Flaxseed oil should be kept in a tightly closed dark glass bottle with a narrow neck.
• Observe a certain temperature regime. Since high temperatures are not used to press the oil, the same principle should be followed when storing it.
• Store the oil in a dark place. Exposure to sunlight is detrimental to him.
• Be sure to check the expiration date of the product. Do not use the oil after the specified date, otherwise you may be injurious to health.

Best before date

It is important to remember that the shelf life of linseed oil depends on the method of extraction, the packaging used and ranges from 3 months to 1 year. Refined linseed fat produced by cold pressing at a temperature not exceeding +45 °C has the maximum shelf life. At the same time, it should be stored in unopened opaque glass original packaging. It is even better if such a bottle is additionally closed in a cardboard box.

Flaxseed oil that has passed its shelf life becomes dark and viscous, with a sour, rancid taste.

When buying, be sure to carefully study the instructions for using the product. Try not to buy a large amount of oil at once. Take it as much as you intend to use within a month. It is also not recommended to use it more than the daily allowance. This can cause side effects - worsening blood clotting or metabolic disorders.

To extend the shelf life of linseed oil after opening the bottle for another couple of weeks, use folk wisdom. Ignite table salt in a pan for 2-3 minutes and add 1 tsp each. for every liter of oil. You can determine that flaxseed fat has expired by the following criteria: it acquires a sour and rancid taste and becomes darker and more viscous.

The choice of containers for draft oil

When purchasing flaxseed oil for bottling, keep in mind that it is better to do it often and little by little. A necessary condition for the storage of draft oil is the correct selection of containers. Never store the product in plastic bottles. Even if you purchased it in such a package, be sure to pour it into an opaque glass bottle, porcelain or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Try not to exceed 0.5 liters of the maximum purchase volume. Be sure to sign the date of purchase.

Remember that proper storage of linseed oil means a container with a tight-fitting lid or stopper. Otherwise, when interacting with oxygen, vegetable fat will dry and become covered with a film. And with prolonged contact with air, changes in the composition of the oil can occur that are harmful to human health.

Features of storage in the refrigerator

It is important to remember that only unrefined linseed oil can be stored in the refrigerator. It is best to place it on the door. Do not be alarmed if a dark sediment forms at the bottom of the bottle over time. Never put refined oil in the refrigerator. Even at a temperature of +12 ° C, it will freeze and lose its beneficial properties. Refined oils are best stored in a dark, cool place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.