Expiration & Storage Tips
When does sunflower oil expire?
Unopened sunflower oil can last up to two years from its manufacture date if stored properly. The 'best by' date on the packaging can be helpful, but remember, it's more a quality guarantee rather than hard expiration date. Once you've opened your sunflower oil, aim to use it within 6 months. If stored in the freezer, sunflower oil can go rancid a little slower, approximately extending its life span to 8 months, though this is not a common practice.
How do you tell if sunflower oil is bad?
Sunflower oil that has turned bad will possess a noticeable change in smell, taste, and color. Instead of its usual neutral or slightly nutty scent, rancid oil may smell metallic, bitter, or noticeably 'off'. Any sharp, bitter taste is also a sign of spoiled oil. In terms of appearance, oil that has thickened or attained a darker color than its original light yellow may have gone bad. Sediments or cloudy appearance is another bad sign. In case of any such changes, it's best to discard the oil instead of tasting it.
Tips for storing sunflower oil to extend shelf life
• Store sunflower oil in a cool, dark pantry away from sunlight and heat to maintain its quality.
• Always keep the lid tightly sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to air. This slows the oxidation process, which can make the oil go rancid.
• If possible, buy sunflower oil in small quantities that you know you'll use up within a few months. This is because once it's opened, it deteriorates faster.
• If your kitchen tends to get hot or you don't use sunflower oil frequently, you can store it in the refrigerator. It might thicken and become cloudy, but this does not affect its quality. It will return to its liquid state once out of the fridge.