Shelf Life
Avocado oil is pressed from avocados. When we talk about the shelf life of oils, they can be quite sensitive. Oils have the capacity to go rancid if they are not stored properly. This goes for avocado oil as well. Monounsaturated fatty acids are present in high content which react with the air in the atmosphere, and the oil can spoil. If you have already opened your avocado oil, it can last for a maximum of six months. Unopened avocado oil will retain its properties for an entire year.
Purchasing Avocado Oil
Avacado oil is generally packaged in transparent glass bottles. They are usually amber in color. This makes it easier to visually inspect the oil. Make sure that the oil is in its natural color. In the case of avocado oil, the color is usually light yellow to green. Also, if you intend to use your oil for cooking purposes, look for the type of preservative used in it. It must be safe and healthy to use. If you are seeking the benefits of avocado oil for skin care purposes, then it is best to check the label thoroughly. If there are ingredients that your skin is allergic to, avoid purchasing that brand of the oil and move on to another one.
Storage
Storing avocado oil can be quite complex since it is very sensitive in nature. It has a tendency to react with the oxygen present in its surroundings and can turn rancid in no time. The amber colored bottle allows for minimal light to pass through the container. It is best to try and store it away from light as light can alter the chemistry of its ingredients. The result could jeopardize its beneficial effects. Storing avocado oil in a cool and dry place is a mandatory requirement.
Handling
Avocado oil is usually used for cooking, but can be applied to skin because of its moisturizing properties. Whether you are using it for cooking or applying to your skin, you should wait for it to thaw out first and then use. Never heat the avocado oil directly. To thaw out, the container can be placed in warm water until it returns to its normal consistency. Use of direct heat will cause the degeneration of its sensitive compounds and make it unfit for use.
Cooking with Avocado Oil:
Like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil can be used for both cooking as well as dressing your salads. It has a lower smoking point, so it is preferred not to heat it at higher temperatures. Most of the people opt for cooking in avocado oil because it is safer and more nutritious as compared to other cooking oils. You can quickly put a salad together and toss it with avocado oil. It works like a magnet to your taste buds. It has a quality that melts in your mouth. Whether it is on your salad or with grilled food, it can add life to the bland flavors.