How to store sunflower oil

Every housewife has a certain set of products, which should always be in home supplies. As a rule, it is sugar, flour, pasta and sunflower oil. Oil is used to make many hot dishes. It is fried in oil, it is added during stewing, this is the most popular dressing for vegetable salads. Therefore, often home-made housewives gain oil for the future. It is really convenient. By purchasing the product in bulk, we get little benefit, but the main thing is that the oil is always at hand. However, in order to preserve sunflower oil, you need to know a few rules.

Sunflower oil

This product is characterized by high nutritional value, taste and benefits. Sunflower oil accounts for more than 70% of all oil produced in the country. Sunflower oil is not inferior to olive in the number of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fatty acids. It is recommended to use sunflower oil even for those who are on a diet. After all, even a small amount of this product gives the beauty of hair, nails and skin. And all thanks to a large amount of beauty vitamin E. Vitamin A, in turn, is incredibly beneficial for vision.

Regular consumption of sunflower oil guarantees a decrease in cholesterol, accelerates metabolic processes, and also contributes to the normal functioning of the liver and bile system. However, we are talking about oil without heat treatment, that is, as a salad dressing. Unfortunately, when frying, the oil not only loses its beneficial properties, but also turns into a rather harmful product. Especially if you use frying oil repeatedly. Oil, drunk on an empty stomach in the amount of one spoon, gives a mild laxative effect - the intestines begin to work like clockwork, the entire digestive system improves.

The oil is good for the elderly, children and pregnant women. But in order to understand how to store it, you need to understand the types of this product. Indeed, the storage time depends on the method of obtaining the oil. Oil can be refined and unrefined.

Unrefined oil. This is the most useful product that has a rich color and smell. Unrefined oil can be obtained by several methods. The simplest and relatively expensive is cold pressed. In this case, the sunflower seeds are simply squeezed by a huge press. The resulting oil is naturally filtered and poured into containers. This oil has a pronounced taste of sunflower seeds, it is dark brown. Unrefined oil should not be stored for longer than three months; it is not suitable for long-term storage. A similar product can only be consumed in its raw form - as a dressing. It is impossible to fry in unrefined oil, otherwise harmful carcinogens will be released during frying. Unrefined oil can be obtained in other ways. For example, sunflower seeds are heated and then squeezed out using a hot press. Oil can be obtained through various physical influences - freezing, filtering. Seeds are also sent to a centrifuge to get a good quality product from them.

Refined oil. This product differs from unrefined oil in that in its production various chemical components are used that contribute to the release of oil from seeds. After oil separation, organic substances are removed, only pure oil remains without any impurities and additives. Refined oil has a transparent yellowish tint, has no taste or smell, it is less useful. But you can fry on it, such oil is stored longer.

When buying oil for long-term storage, choose a fresh product. Also, do not take a bottle of oil from a display case - it must have been exposed to light for a long time. Check the oil in the bottle visually - it should not be cloudy, there should be no sediment in the oil.

How to store unrefined oil

Unrefined oil is very popular, despite the dark color and clear taste. It is chosen by people who adhere to proper nutrition. They do not fry in such oil, but it is actively used as dressing for salads. Unrefined oil does not need to be bought for future use, because it does not have a very long shelf life.

If you bought unrefined oil and brought it home, it is better to pour it into a bottle of opaque glass. This will protect the product from sun and oxide. You can also store sunflower oil in a plastic container, but glass is a more reliable packaging. Never pour oil into a can or other metal utensil. When interacting with a metal, oil oxidizes and loses its beneficial properties.

Keep unrefined oil cool. It can be a balcony, a cellar or a refrigerator door. Never leave oil near the battery, in direct sunlight or near a gas stove. When heated, the oil very quickly loses its properties.

If the oil was obtained by cold pressing, it is recommended to use it within 3 months. Unrefined oil extracted by hot pressing is stored for up to six months. An opened bottle of oil should be consumed within a month, then it gradually becomes bitter.

How to store refined oil

Refined oil is less whimsical, it does not require low temperatures and is stored longer. But do not leave the oil warm - near the stove or in the sun. Refined oil can be stored in industrial packaging or in glass containers. For storage, closets, a mezzanine, a balcony are suitable. However, do not leave the product in the cold - it is not recommended to freeze the oil as much as once. You can store such oil for up to 9-10 months.

If it turns out that your house has too much oil, it can be sent to the freezer. At low temperatures, the oil will not freeze, but thickens significantly. In this form, the oil can be stored for more than a year without losing its taste and useful properties. However, remember - it should not be frozen again.

How to extend the shelf life of oil

To prevent oil from spoiling longer, you can use secrets for long-term storage of this product.

1. Put a few beans in an oil bottle - the beans will not allow the oil to cloud.
2. If you put a pinch of salt in a container with oil, the product will not lose its taste.
3. Put a leaf of laurel in oil - the product will not be bitter even after a very long storage.
4. Herbs - thyme, rosemary, basil will help preserve the oil, as well as give it a special taste and aroma. Just add a couple of sprigs to the oil. Instead of herbs, you can use a clove of garlic.

These simple methods will help you significantly increase the shelf life of the oil.

Sunflower oil is a strategic product that should be in every home. But in order for the oil to remain tasty, healthy and of high quality, you need to know the rules for its storage. And then on your table will always be this crystal clear and such a necessary product.

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