How to store coconut oil at home

Coconut palms do not grow in our country. Therefore, the most valuable coconut oil is brought from abroad. It is not cheap, so a reasonable question arises: how to store coconut oil? After all, I want to use the most valuable properties of this unique product for a longer time.

The network has a lot of information on this topic, but it is very contradictory. So let's get it together.

General rules

Some sources state that coconut oil is NOT:

• oxidizes
• spoils
• changes color
• rancid

This is an absolute fallacy. By its nature, coconut oil is a completely organic substance. Therefore, it, like any other vegetable oil, begins to deteriorate under the influence of moisture, heat, light and oxygen.

It follows that you need to store coconut oil:

• cool
• dry
• In the dark
• with cover tightly closed

If these conditions are not met, you run the risk of quickly discovering a smelly mass in the jar, not precious coconut oil.

Temperature

At what temperature is coconut oil stored properly? Ideal conditions are approximately + 6-8 ° С. Higher temperatures significantly reduce shelf life. Even in a product containing preservatives. Yes, yes, this is far from rare.

By the way, storage in the freezer is also contraindicated in coconut oil. No one knows why, but no point.

In kitchen cabinets, first-aid kits, or nightstands, the temperature is clearly much higher than recommended. Therefore, they are definitely not suitable for saving oil reserves.

It turns out that the only place in the house that safely preserves stocks of expensive raw materials is an ordinary refrigerator. It is advisable that coconut oil does not stand on a shelf in the unit door. With constant opening, the temperature there fluctuates, which does not extend the shelf life. A container of oil can be put deep into the refrigerator. Then it will surely serve you long enough.

Tip. Any natural coconut oil, even in the refrigerator, has a limited shelf life. Subject to all conditions, it is no more than 12 months.

Humidity

Independent laboratory studies have shown that coconut oil is best stored at an air humidity of not higher than 65%. If below, then do not worry. But above is a very quick spoilage of the product.

How to find such a place in the house? It is not necessary to wander around the rooms with a hygrometer. And few people have it. What to do? Let's open a secret: approximately such humidity in the most ordinary refrigerator. And if your device has an anti-ice function (but frost), then this is generally ideal. In such an aggregate, there is never excessive humidity.

Tip. There is no need to explain that the container for coconut oil must be clean and completely dry. This will help prevent mold from forming on the product and extend the shelf life.

Light conditions

Coconut oil spoils in the light. It doesn’t matter on solar or electric. Therefore, it is very important to protect the product from exposure to any light. Some people store coconut oil simply in a room or cabinet. Say, it's in the box. Yes, but the temperature is too high.

Therefore, we again cast our eyes on the best friend of all people - on the refrigerator. But after all, light rays fall there when opening the door. What to do?

In fact, everything is simple. It is enough to pour coconut oil into a container of dark or even opaque glass. And after that it can be safely stored.

By the way, why glass, and not metal or plastic? Because it is the only material that is completely inert to all substances. And plastic or metal tend to sometimes still react with coconut oil. Which, of course, does not increase the shelf life.

Tip. We recommend packing a bottle or a jar in an extra box of thick paper or cardboard. Such packaging will reliably protect coconut oil from the harmful effects of light rays.

Why do I need a cover?

It would hardly occur to a sensible person to leave coconut oil in an open container. Therefore, many pour the product into a glass jar with a twist lid. But screw threads do not protect the oil from oxidation. Air still enters the tank, and does its insidious business.

How to be Use a jar with a glass sealed lid. In these there is a rubber gasket that does not let air in.

If there are none, then use a bottle with a tightly capped stopper to store the oil. Moreover, at room temperature, coconut oil becomes liquid. And getting it out of the bottle is no problem.

Some useful tips

Some manufacturers offer coconut oil in ampoules or capsules. You should know that the terms and conditions of storage for such a product are the same as for a draft one. But try not to get such oil. As a rule, it is hot pressed and contains preservatives. So there is very little benefit from it. Therefore, before buying do not be too lazy to read the composition on the package. In case of ordering in the online store, try to find out from the manufacturer so as not to waste money on the wind.

Lovely young ladies figured out how to get coconut oil at home. The method is artisanal, but this is how a product of excellent quality is obtained. What is important, it is completely natural, without any additives.

But there is a flip side to the coin. Such oil, even under the most ideal conditions, is stored for no more than 30 days. Therefore, we do not recommend preparing coconut oil for future use in large quantities. Better more often, but less.

Most sources recommend sniffing the product before purchasing. And, as one, they argue that a persistent aroma of coconut should be felt. It is immediately clear that advice is given by amateurs. Because a good quality coconut oil smells very peculiar. The smell is pleasant, but not coconut. Everything else is from the evil one.

By the way, spoiled coconut oil smells smoked. This is the reviews. Please note that this oil cannot be used even externally.

Another characteristic sign that coconut oil was not stored properly is a bright yellow color. Fresh high-quality product can be any golden hue in the form of heat. And completely white after the cold. If your oil is very yellow, then it is spoiled.

By the way, few people know that coconut oil can go rancid. This is rare, but it happens. In order not to harm yourself using spoiled oil, you can taste it a little. Do not be afraid, coconut oil is widely used for culinary purposes.

Fresh product is almost tasteless, sometimes it feels sweet. Spoiled - bitter, with a nasty finish.

Rumor has it that pure coconut oil, without any additives, can be stored in a cabinet on a shelf for several years. Only no one explains why save it so much time without using it for its intended purpose. And no one has yet succeeded in verifying this fact, because the precious substance ends too quickly.

Now you know how to store coconut oil. And you can use the unique action of this product for a very long time, prolonging your beauty.

Video: 15 Ways to Use Coconut Oil