Palm oil has been in use for 5,000 years. It is consumed all around the world. Palm oil is a perfect dietary source of energy. Palm oil is rich in carotenoids, vitamin E, fatty acids and is perfectly well-balanced. The shelf life of the palm oil depends on multiple factors, such as the’ best by’ date and the storage method. The shelf life of palm oil is 2-3 years in a pantry or fridge.
What Is The Storage Method Of Palm Oil?
The best storage method for palm oil is to place it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place, for example, a pantry. Bear in mind to set the palm oil away from the heat or light source and other appliances.
You can also store the palm oil in the refrigerator, but it will turn cloudy and solidify while kept in the fridge. You can place the oil at room temperature before using it so that it liquefies.
Oils turn rancid if not stored properly; palm oil comes with antioxidants which prevent it from becoming stale. Palm oil has a preferred temperature for storage, specifically, around 30 degree Celsius. The palm oil should be used within six months of purchase.
If you experience a terrible aroma or rancid taste of the palm oil, immediately throw it away. The palm oil thickens down at the lower temperature. You can use a glass or stainless steel container for storing the palm oil.
What Should You Look For While Buying The Palm Oil?
- Buy the palm oil which is refined because the process helps in achieving the softer flavor and light-colored oil.
- Choose the palm oil which can handle the heat while deep frying.
- Baking with palm oil provides better flavors.
- Check the fat content of the palm oil mentioned on the label.
- Choose oils which are used in most of the recipes, be sure to use the oil that is used in the recipe that you are planning to cook.
How Should You Handle Palm Oil?
While handling the palm oil, make sure that you fry or sauté small pieces as the oil gets very hot while cooking or deep frying. You can use a wire basket which allows you to hold the food item dipped in the hot oil. Avoid frying large pieces in the palm oil as it might splash on your face or hands.
Utensils or equipment which come into contact with the hot palm oil must be dried prior to use because even small drops of moisture might result in splattering which can be dangerous.
The palm oil should never be left unattended and avoid playing with pets or children near the kitchen.
Avoid transferring the oil to another container when you are done cooking as this could be dangerous.
What Is The Purpose Of Cooking With Palm Oil?
Palm oil is highly resistant to the oxidation process, which makes it a safer and healthier option for deep frying or cooking. However, when palm oil is utilized for food, some antioxidants are destroyed. Still, it is better than the olive oil for cooking purpose.
Palm oil can be used for shortenings, baking, deep fat frying and the preparation of margarine. The food items, when cooked in palm oil, do not turn rancid immediately as the oil has antioxidants. Palm oil is highly stable to heat, which allows you to prepare and deep fry food items in it.
Other uses of palm oil include drizzling it over dishes such as salads with beans or other vegetables. You can also use the oil in stew or soups.