How to store sesame oil for a long? Does sesame oil go bad?

Sesame oil is a popular cooking oil widely used in Asian cuisine. It is well-known for its unique fragrance and its health advantages. Sesame oil, obtained by pressing sesame seeds, can be used in the kitchen, for cooking, or as a salad dressing. Some people also use sesame oil on their skin and hair. On the other hand, like any other cooking oil, sesame oil has an expiration life and can go bad if it is not maintained correctly. In this post, we will go over how to preserve sesame oil for an extended period, as well as address whether sesame oil can go bad.

Shelf Life of Sesame oil:

Compared to other types of cooking oils, the storage life of sesame oil is significantly longer. This is primarily because it contains a high concentration of antioxidants. The shelf life of sesame oil depends on the processing method used to extract the oil. The cold-pressed sesame oil, made using an older extraction method, has a considerably shorter storage life than refined sesame oil. When kept in the right conditions, sesame oil expiry date ranges from six to twelve months.

Does Sesame oil expire?

Sesame oil can go bad or expire if it is not preserved correctly. The smell and flavour of rancidity can develop in sesame oil if it is allowed to deteriorate. When oil is subjected to oxygen, light, or heat, a process called rancidity takes place. Rancidity is a condition in which aerial oxidation of unsaturated fat in food gives it an unpleasant flavour and odour. As a result of the combustion process, the fatty acids in the oil are broken down, which leads to the development of bad smells and flavours.

How should sesame oil be stored?

It is important to preserve sesame oil in the appropriate manner if one wishes to prolong the oil’s storage life.

Here are some tips and tricks to store sesame oil properly:

Store in a cool & dark place:

Sesame oil must be kept in a cold, secluded location away from intense sunshine and heat to maintain its quality. The oxidation process can be sped up by being exposed to heat and light, which can cause the oil to become tainted more quickly.

Air Tight Container:

Make use of air-tight containers:
It is absolutely necessary to store sesame oil in containers that are impermeable to prevent air from entering the container. The process of oxidation can be sped up by the presence of oxygen, which results in the oil going rancid more quickly. Glass vessels are the perfect container for keeping sesame oil, as they cannot be penetrated by oxygen.

Avoid moisture:

Since moisture can also hasten the decomposition process, it is important to keep the sesame oil away from any source of moisture, including water. This includes keeping the oil away from the air as well.

Don’t store for too long:

Even if properly preserved, sesame oil should not be kept for an excessively extended period of time because it can go rancid. After opening the container, you should use it within the next six months at the very latest.

Now that you are familiar with the best practices for storing sesame oil, let’s take a look at some of the most common sesame oils present in the market: 

Cold Pressed Gingelly Oil:

Gingelly oil obtained through cold pressing is a form of sesame oil regarded as superior quality. Its production involves the use of traditional methods. The fragrance of cold-pressed gingelly oil is flavourful to that of purified sesame oil, but the storage life of the former is shorter. You can buy gingelly oil online from VVS & Sons website. We offer various discounts as well.

Cold-Pressed Chekku Oil:

Traditional hardwood presses are utilised to produce another type of cold-pressed sesame oil known as classic cold-pressed chekku oil. It has a uniquely sweet, nutty flavour and is rich in antioxidants.

Jyothi Pooja Oil:

Sesame oil and other aromatic oils, such as sandalwood and jasmine, are combined to create the sacred oil called Jyothi. It is used as a pooja oil for religious purposes. The price of pooja oil starts from 57 Rupees and goes up to 250 Rupees.

Groundnut Oil Premium:

This mixture of groundnut and sesame oil is sold under the Rojapoo groundnut oil premium brand name. Because it has a high boiling point and is therefore appropriate for use in deep fryers, this cooking oil is widespread in South Indian households.

In conclusion, sesame oil is a healthy cooking oil that, if used in the right amounts, can elevate the flavour of the food you prepare. Nonetheless, it is necessary to preserve it properly to lengthen its storage life. Always store your food in air-tight containers, in cold, dark places, and away from heat, light, and damp sources. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to reap the advantages of sesame oil for a much longer period of time.