Does Avocado Oil Need to Be Refrigerated? (Max Shelf Life)

Avocado oil is a great alternative to olive oil because it has many of the same health benefits. It’s also cheaper, making it an attractive choice for people on a budget.

Does avocado oil need to be refrigerated? The answer is no. But you can also refrigerate it to maximize its shelf life.

But why and how? This article will explain why it should or should not be stored in the refrigerator and what you can do instead.

Table of Contents

Should You Refrigerate Avocado Oil?

No. Even though it is raw oil, it does not need to be refrigerated.

It (in an oil form) is stable. It is because avocados are very high in unsaturated fats, so they don’t oxidize easily. This makes them safe to keep at room temperature.

Keep the oil in a glass bottle at a consistent temperature and out of direct sunlight. We suggest a dark cabinet for perfect storage conditions.

The Basic Rule for Storing Cooking Oil

Some types of cooking oil benefit from refrigeration, while others can be safely kept outside the refrigerator.

The basic rule for storing is that those with higher saturated fat content should be stored at room temperature. They should be stored in a dark place, not near a window with lots of light, since light can affect the quality of the oil.

Those with lower saturated fats should be stored in the refrigerator.

Oils with higher monosaturated fat content should be kept in the refrigerator. Oils with polyunsaturated fats do not require refrigeration.

Can You Store It in the Refrigerator?

To maximize the shelf life, once you open a bottle, you can refrigerate it. An opened bottle will usually keep for about 8 months when stored in the refrigerator.

Cold temperatures may cause it to become cloudy and solidify. But this will not affect the quality or flavor.

Once the oil is returned to room temperature, it will return to its normal consistency and color.

Does the Oil Go Bad?

Yes. Like vegetable oil, it becomes toxic to your body when it goes bad. The smell of rotten one is often described as “off” or “musty.”

This is because when the oils become rancid, they release chemicals called free radicals into the air. Free radicals are harmful molecules that damage cells in your body.

We recommend keeping it away from the sun and in a cool, dark area.

How Long Does Avocado Oil Last?

The shelf life is as follows:

Unopened:
- Pantry: 1 to 2 years and usually lasts until the printed date (Best by label)
Opened and Unrefined:
- Pantry: 4-6 months
- Fridge: 6-9 months
Opened and Refined:
- Pantry: 9-12 months
- Fridge: 12-15 months

How Can I Store Avocado Oil?

You can store it in a cool dark place such as a pantry or cabinet.

If you buy a large bottle, you can store it in the fridge and are worried it will go rancid prematurely.

The only caveat is that it will thicken and look cloudy when cool. But things will return to normal once it warms up to room temperature.

You can also freeze it in ice cube trays to easily access small amounts at a time. Proper storage is the key to extending the expiration date of fats and oils.

How Long Can the Oil Sit Out?

It should be kept in a cool, dark location. It will last up to six months if stored properly.

What is Avocado Oil?

It is a wonderful cooking oil that is high in monounsaturated fats. It has a similar monounsaturated fat profile to olive oil. These fats are known to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

However, avocados also contain a compound called persin which can cause digestive problems if consumed raw.

It is extracted from the fruit of the avocado plant. It has a buttery flavor and many health benefits for your skin, hair, nails, and internal organs.

The Mayans first cultivated the avocado tree. The Mayans first cultivated the avocado tree over 5,000 years ago. They used the oil as an all-natural lubricant for their tools and weapons.

Today, it’s still being used for its healing properties.

Types

Cold Pressed Vs. Expeller

There are two types – cold pressed, and expeller pressed. The difference between them is how they are processed.

Cold Pressed:

It is made by pressing the avocado flesh with no heat or chemicals. This type retains more nutrients than other types.

Edible cold-pressed avocado oil is generally unrefined, like extra virgin olive oil, so it retains the flavor and color characteristics of the fruit flesh.

Expeller Pressed (EPA):

It is produced using solvents such as hexane to extract the oil. It contains less fat than cold-pressed but is healthier because it retains no toxic compounds in the avocado.

Refined Vs. Unrefined Oil

Refined avocado oil is simply the oil that comes out of the press after the seeds have been removing the seeds. It is then filtered through a filter that removes impurities like free fatty acids and chlorophyll.

Unrefined avocado oil is just the oil that remains once the seeds have been removed and the pulp discarded.

Unrefined is much cheaper. However, it may contain some contaminants that could potentially affect your health.

Health Benefits

It contains vitamin E, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E helps protect cells against oxidation damage, while beta carotene protects eyesight. Omega 3 fatty acids help with digestion and improve brain function.

Here are some of the health benefits:

It can help prevent heart disease since it lowers bad cholesterol.
It can also help fight cancer since it contains antioxidants.
It can also help treat arthritis pain since it relieves inflammation.
In addition, it can help relieve stress and depression. It may help prevent diabetes since it reduces insulin resistance.
It can also prevent wrinkles since it moisturizes the skin.
It can also help boost energy levels and works as a massage oil.

Uses

The Uses

It is a versatile oil that can be used for various purposes. Here are some of the most common uses:

Cooking
Make salads dressing
Moisturize skin
Cleanse skin
Prevent stretch marks
Treat sunburn
Relieve muscle soreness
Reduce inflammation
Moisturize hair
Protect against UV rays
Use as a massage oil
Prevent premature aging
Skin Care
Apply directly onto dry skin to moisturize and soften.
Remove makeup easily
Lubricate hands and feet
Wash off makeup

Is It Safe To Use On My Skin?

Yes! it is safe to use on your skin. It moisturizes dry areas like elbows, knees, heels, and feet. It can also be used on damaged skin. Just make sure that you don’t get too much on your face.

Can I Use It For Cooking?

Yes, you can use it for cooking. It’s best to use it when sautéing vegetables or making salad dressings.

Which Cooking Oils Need Refrigeration?

Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the safest oils to cook with. It doesn’t require refrigeration since it has a low smoke point.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is not recommended for cooking because it contains high polyunsaturated fats. These fats are prone to oxidation and may cause cancerous tumors.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a solid oil that must be stored in the refrigerator. This is because it contains saturated fat, which is more likely to oxidize than unsaturated fats.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is a liquid oil that should be refrigerated after opening. This is because it contains high levels of omega-three fatty acids, which are prone to oxidation.

Canola Oil

Canola oil doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, but keeping it in a cool, dark place is best. This is because canola oil has a low smoke point, making it less stable than other oils.

Sunflower Oil

According to the National Sunflower Association, “Refrigeration is unnecessary when storing small amounts of sunflower oil for short periods.” Cold temperatures can cause the oil to become thick and cloudy.

Peanut Oil

Like sunflower oil, peanut oil should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dim environment to preserve its quality.

FAQs

Which oils should be refrigerated?

Refrigeration is required for oils with a lower saturated fat content, such as safflower, sunflower, and canola. Coconut oil is not one of them.

Can avocado oil go rancid?

Yes, it can. This is due to the high level of unsaturated fats in the oil. When these oils become rancid, they release harmful chemicals called free radicals into the air. These molecules damage cells in your body.