How to Tell If Vegetable Oil Is Bad
Vegetable oil can be essential for various purposes such as for frying foods and making sauces. Unfortunately, vegetable oil can become rancid over time, which can change its flavor and texture and possibly make it unsafe to be used. Below are some tips to help determine if vegetable oil has turned bad.
Check the smell
Rancid vegetable oil can have a very unpleasant odor, one akin to a moldy or sour smell. Fresh vegetable oil should be odorless, so if it smells off, discarding it is the safest option.
Inspect the color
A sure sign of bad vegetable oil is a change in its color. Over time, the color of the oil can gradually darken while becoming more viscous in consistency. If the oil has changed color and appears cloudy in texture, discard it and avoid using it.
Taste a small amount
It is not usually recommended to taste a product before using it. However, it is the most effective way to determine if vegetable oil has turned bad. If it tastes off and stale, then discard it and replace it with fresh oil.
Check the expiration date
It is also important to check the expiration date when buying vegetable oil. It will usually state whether it has expired. If this has happened, it is best to avoid using it and purchase one with a more recent expiration date.
Check for signs of contamination
If other food or particles are present in vegetable oil, then this is a sign that there has been some type of contamination. Avoid any product that has obvious signs of foreign objects and purchase another one.
To help keep vegetable oils good for longer, it is best to store them in tightly sealed containers, away from heat and direct sunlight, and to check them regularly for any signs of spoilage. Through following these tips, it’ll be easier to tell if vegetable oil is bad or not.
