How to Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you cook with sesame oil, it’s important to be aware of signs of rancidity, as sesame oil has a much shorter shelf life than other plant-based oils. If you're concerned with the condition of your sesame oil, take note of its color, odor, and flavor in order to determine whether or not your sesame oil is safe to consume.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Examining the Oil

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid
    Sesame oils that appear darker in color than usual - a deep amber hue as opposed to a light golden color - are often rancid. Compare the color of your oil to images of sesame oil online to determine whether or not your oil is rancid. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid
    A sticky residue will develop on the outside of a rancid oil container. If your bottle of sesame oil is uncharacteristically sticky, this is likely a symptom of rancidity. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Fresh sesame oil has a fragrant, nutty odor. In comparison, rancid oil smells acrid, bitter, and soapy. Give your oil a whiff, and if the smell is harsh on your nose, it’s probably best to throw it out. [3]
  4. If the sight and smell of your oil are not telling enough, try tasting a tiny amount of your sesame oil to determine once and for all if the oil is rancid. If the oil tastes acrid or bitter, it is rancid and unsafe to cook with. [4]
    • If you decide to taste-test your sesame oil, consume no more than a drop in case the oil is rancid.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Determining the Shelf Life

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid
    If your sesame oil displays any physical signs of rancidity, and if the oil’s “use by” date is long past, it’s safe to say your oil is probably rancid. If the "use by" date has passed but your oil looks, smells, and tastes fresh, it's probably fine to use the oil. [5]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid
    Most sesame oil will stay fresh for no longer than 2 years, regardless of its storage conditions. Keep these guidelines in mind when you inspect your sesame oil for signs of rancidity to determine the likelihood of its freshness. [6]
    • Unopened sesame oil will stay fresh for up to 1 year when stored at room temperature, and up to 2 years when refrigerated.
    • An opened container of sesame oil will stay fresh for 6-8 months when left at room temperature, and up to 2 years when refrigerated.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Know when Sesame Oil Is Rancid
    If your bottle of sesame oil has been left open and/or in direct sunlight for longer than 1-2 months, and you notice a change in its color or odor, it's best to throw it away. These storage conditions often cause sesame oils to go rancid. Practice safe storage techniques to prevent rancid oil in the future. [7]
    • Sesame oil stays fresh for longest when it is sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I use rancid sesame oil for skin or hair?
    Maggie Peterson
    Community Answer
    No, if it is rancid it has bacteria in it that will not be good for your skin or hair. It will also smell bad.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 6
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you suspect that your sesame oil is rancid, play it safe and throw it away. Rancid oil is not just gross, but can make you sick. [8]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you don’t use sesame oil very frequently, consider buying it in small quantities to avoid the possibility of its spoilage [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • While sesame oil stays freshest when stored in the fridge, it will stay relatively fresh in pantry, so long as it’s protected from sunlight. [10]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Measure a Tablespoon with and without Measuring Spoons
      How to
      Safely Boil Water in the Microwave
      How to
      Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs Every Time
      How to
      Blanch Green Beans
      How to
      Season a Stainless Steel Pan with Oil
      How to
      Pan-Fry the Perfect Steak on the Stovetop
      How to
      Poach an Egg Using a Microwave
      How to
      Make Olive Oil
      How to
      Boil Water (& How Long It Takes)
      How to
      Make Diffuser Oil
      The Quickest Way to Make a Reduction for Any Recipe
      How to
      Parboil Potatoes Perfectly Every Time
      How to
      Preheat an Oven
      How to
      Defrost Dough
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/is-oil-rancid-bad-for-you-article
      2. ↑ http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/is-oil-rancid-bad-for-you-article
      3. ↑ http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/is-oil-rancid-bad-for-you-article
      4. ↑ http://imaddictedtocooking.com/does-sesame-oil-go-bad/
      5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/19/style/touch-of-rancidity-can-spoil-the-feast.html
      6. ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/other/condiments/how-long-does-oil-last/
      7. ↑ http://imaddictedtocooking.com/does-sesame-oil-go-bad/
      8. ↑ http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/is-oil-rancid-bad-for-you-article
      9. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/19/style/touch-of-rancidity-can-spoil-the-feast.html
      1. ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/other/condiments/how-long-does-oil-last/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 107,623 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement