Butter, olive and sunflower oils are included in the category of fat and oil products, but have an unequal shelf life. This article will tell you how the shelf life of oil differs in 3 different conditions - in the refrigerator, without a refrigerator, in the freezer.
Oil storage duration
The safety of oils for the stated period of time is ensured by the manufacturing technology in the case when the original packaging is not opened. Following printing, the storage duration changes. The material used to make the container plays an important role in the process of preserving these products.
Butter
According to GOST regulations, butter should be stored for about a month. The composition of the imported product contains additives and preservatives, which can increase the shelf life by up to a year.
Storage duration depending on packaging material:
- paper, parchment - maximum 10 days;
- foil - 20 days;
- pack of polymer materials – 15 days;
- container (oil can) – 3 weeks.
On the packaging, the manufacturer usually indicates the production date and expiration date in the form of the inscription: “Best before ... (date).” When making a purchase, you should remember that the product may have been on the store window for several days, so the storage period has already begun.
Olive oil
Sealed glass containers store olive oil without changing its taste for the first year from the date of manufacture.Opening the bottle encourages you to use up its contents in the next 2 months, because... later, the therapeutic effect on the body no longer occurs. If, when purchasing, it is impossible to determine the production date and suitability, then it is better to purchase it in a tin jar, which prevents harmful light from reaching the Provencal delicacy. Tin containers retain their contents for a long time - up to a year, but after opening they should be used within a month.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil should be stored depending on its type:
- Produced using cold-press technology - thanks to the sealed container, it is stored for 4 months. Once opened, it is recommended to use it within the next 3-4 weeks;
- Refined, deodorized - unopened packaging lasts quite a long time, at least 2 years. After opening the container, freshness remains for approximately 28 days;
- Unrefined - stored in a closed bottle for about a year. Opening the container reduces the specified period of time to 2 months.
Cold storage
Save successfully butter A temperature not exceeding +6℃ will help. If the wrapper is lightproof, it is recommended that you leave the original packaging in place for refrigeration. The unsalted and salted variety keeps well for 3 weeks. If necessary, the time period can be increased:
- Use new packaging material;
- Place in a container made of ceramics, wood, or food-grade plastic with a matte, tight-fitting lid. It is better to refuse polyethylene bags, because... there is a risk of spoiling the taste.
Protect olive oil using a refrigerator is not recommended, because the temperature inside it is significantly less than the optimal regime. There is an opinion that the product can lose a large share of its beneficial properties after lying in the cold for 2-3 weeks. Quite quickly after being placed in the refrigerator, the contents of the bottle will thicken and flakes will appear at the bottom. Don’t be upset – these are sure signs of quality and naturalness. When the temperature drops, the vegetable wax contained in the composition, which resembles beeswax, hardens and settles to the bottom.
Opened bottle in the cold sunflower oil It is stored for approximately 30 days. You can choose to place containers with the product either deep into the refrigerator or on the door shelves.
Storage without refrigeration
Olive
The best conditions for keeping olive oil are a place without access to light (a cabinet with doors without glass, a pantry) and a temperature within 12-18 °C. In order not to lose the beneficial properties of this “liquid gold” ahead of schedule, you must follow simple rules:
- Do not leave the Provençal delicacy directly next to the stove, microwave, or on the kitchen table;
- Use a smaller container to avoid filling empty space with air. The ideal option is a porcelain or ceramic jug with a narrow neck and stopper. An alternative is a darkened glass jar with a lid;
- Protect from constant sharp fluctuations in temperature and exposure to light, because the antioxidants included in the composition will begin to quickly degrade.
Creamy
In the summer, if there is no refrigerator, butter can be preserved for 3-4 weeks using your favorite method:
- Cut into pieces - portions, wrap in waterproof paper, place in an enamel bowl. Prepare a saline solution (water 1 liter / salt 20-25 g), pour over the prepared briquettes. Place a flat dish and any heavy object on top to create an imitation of abs, place in a cool, dark place;
- Place the prepared slices tightly into a suitable container and pour in the same salty solution or 5% vinegar with added water. Cover with a lid and place in a cool, dark room;
- Fill a glass jar with briquettes and place in a deep basin or bucket of cold water. Its level should be equal to the middle of the vessel. Moisten a piece of cotton cloth and cover the top of the jar, dipping the corners of the cloth into the water;
- After first moistening a piece of cloth with vinegar, wrap it around the prepared briquettes. Place them in a saucepan, placing a small piece of sugar next to them.
Sunflower
Sunflower oil is stored in the same way as olive oil, in an opaque glass bottle with a narrow, tightly closing neck. Protection from sunlight, protection from air penetration, and maintaining the temperature in the range of 6-18℃ are required. If these conditions are met, the shelf life will be 3-4 months. Adding your choice of contents to the container will help extend freshness for several weeks:
- 2-3 pieces of dry beans;
- a teaspoon of salt per liter of contents;
- bay leaves.
Freezer storage
Portioning is the main principle of such a high-quality method of preserving food for a long time as freezing.
The temperature in the freezer is maintained at no higher than -18℃. Frozen salted butter
is stored for a year, unsalted - about 3 months. Before sending it to the freezer, it is recommended to divide it into pieces of the desired size, wrap it in foil (parchment). Put it in a plastic bag and tie it tightly to avoid absorbing foreign odors. Cleaning the closet from unnecessary clothes: simple principles Opinions on the possibility of placing
olive oil
