How Long Does Sesame Oil Last: The Shelf Life Expiration Date Of Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is pretty similar to that of other vegetable oils. So the answer to the question ‘how long does sesame oil last’ is pretty obvious. After you open the container of the sesame oil, its shelf life is not very long. It can get rancid only in a few months much unlike other kinds of oils. But, if you store the oil properly, its shelf life will increase.

Wondering how long does sesame oil last?

When you check out the bottle of oil, you will find the ‘best before date’ on the bottle. The date of expiry will be mentioned clearly on the label. But, it is not necessary that the oil will go bad after the expiry date since it is just an estimation of the fact that till when the oil will stay fresh.

In normal cases, the sesame oil lasts for one and a half years to two years time after the manufacturing process. It is suggested that you use the oil within 6-8 months after opening the container. Although the oil does not go bad after the bottle is opened but its condition or quality will eventually deteriorate. So, the longer you keep the sesame oil, the more it will get deteriorated. Finally, it will become rancid.

If you do not use sesame oil too often, it is suggested that you buy just a small bottle to continue using fresh oil. Thus, there is no need to discard the oil after a period of time.

Sesame Oil Expiration Date

It is already a known fact that the sesame oil loses its quality after a period of time. So, after a period of time you will have to discard it even if the oil is not bad or rancid. You can smell or taste the oil to know if at all the oil can be used.

Slight changes in the taste, smell and color may be noticeable after the date of expiry. If the change is major, just discard the oil. You also need to know that when you store the oil in the refrigerator, it may solidify. But, it returns to its normal state after you keep it in the normal temperature for some time.

Sesame oil has a short shelf life

It is important for you to know that the shelf life of the sesame oil is pretty short. However, it does not go bad even if the container is opened. But, slowly and gradually it deteriorates and you need to discard it.

There are various kinds of sesame oil, carrying varied degrees of rancidity. Unrefined sesame oil is one of the least processed oils containing pure sesame seeds and phytochemicals to offer health benefits.

The plant compound is pretty much vulnerable to the environmental factors and so the plant compounds are removed with the process of refining. The rancidity of the oil is very much dependent on the way you store it.

Proper storage of the oil will protect the integrity. If you store the oil in refrigerator for 6 months, it will be prevented from getting rancid. If the glass is opaque, the light will not penetrate and thus the oil will deteriorate.

Some signs of rancidity

The smell and taste of the rancid sesame oil will be different from the fresh oil. However, there is no simple test available to judge how far the oil is rancid. You need to adhere to the storage guidelines, shelf life guidelines in order to prevent it from getting rancid. If the expiry date of the oil is approaching, it is good to discard it if you want to avoid the toxic effects.

When can the sesame oil become toxic?

If the sesame oil is fresh, it will offer antioxidants to protect you from a variety of health issues. But, if it gets rancid, it starts to harm your body.

In short, sesame oil lasts for a couple of months. You need to ensure that the bottle is closed tightly. If the oil is refrigerated, the oil will stay fresh for 1-2 years. With the passage of time, the oil becomes rancid. If you store the oil improperly, it will get spoilt quickly.

It is important to store the oil in a dry and cool place. The oil must be kept away from sunlight and the sources of direct heat. However, you may keep the oil container safely in the pantry till the container is not opened. But, as soon as you open the container, it needs to be kept in the refrigerator so that it maintains its peak quality.

When you are not using the oil, seal the container tightly. So, the pollutants will not enter the container. There will be no spoilage as such.