Have you ever picked up that bottle of sesame oil in your kitchen cupboard, only to hesitate and ask, does sesame oil expire? You’re not alone. We keep sesame oil on hand due to its nutty taste and versatility as a cooking oil, but it’s necessary to know how to store it so that you can understand its lifespan. Let’s get into all you need to know about sesame oil—its expiration to spoilage signs and how-tos to make it last longer.

Does Sesame Oil Go Bad?

The short answer is yes, sesame oil expires. Just like any other oil, sesame oil has an expiration date, and its quality will lessen with time. The good news is that if you store it properly and take good care of it, you can retain the freshness of the oil for months.

Sesame oil is produced from pressed sesame seeds, which contain natural oils and antioxidants. Although these antioxidants slow down spoilage, they cannot make the oil impervious to spoilage. Some external factors such as exposure to air, light, and heat can speed up its deterioration.

Let’s look at the important points regarding the shelf life of sesame oil and how it can remain fresh for as long a time as possible.

How Long Does Sesame Oil Last?

Sesame oil’s shelf life varies with it being refined or unrefined and storage methods. Let us lay it out for you in detail:

Refined Sesame Oil

Refined sesame oil undergoes processing to remove impurities, which extends its shelf life. When stored properly, it can last:

• Unopened: Up to 12 months.
• Opened: Around 6-8 months.

Refined oils do not have the same aromatic flavor as unrefined oils but are more stable since they have fewer natural compounds that will readily oxidize.

Unrefined Sesame Oil (Toasted Sesame Oil)

Toasted or unrefined sesame oil is much-loved due to its robust, nutty flavor. Unfortunately, it will spoil more readily because it will retain more of the natural compounds of sesame seeds. Its storage life is:

• Unopened: About 9-12 months.
• Opened: Around 4-6 months.

Does Refrigeration Help?

Refrigeration of sesame oil can delay the oxidation process, especially in the case of unrefined sesame oil. But refrigeration might make the oil thicken or become cloudy. This is nothing to worry about, and the oil will again become liquid at room temperature.

Factors That Affect Shelf Life

1. Storage Conditions: Storing sesame oil in a dark, cool place greatly increases its shelf life. Heat, light, and humidity can accelerate the breakdown of the oil.
2. Frequency of Use: The more you open the bottle, the more the oil is exposed to oxygen. Oxygen speeds up the oxidation process, which can result in rancidity.
3. Packaging: Dark glass bottles are more suitable for keeping the oil fresh than clear glass or plastic containers. The dark color prevents the light from destroying the oil.
4. Quality of the Oil: Better-quality sesame oil tends to last longer since it is prepared from higher-quality raw materials and processed gently.

Quick Tip:

If you’re uncertain about how long your sesame oil has been sitting on the shelf, it is always a good idea to check the “best by” date on the bottle. This date provides a fair estimate of how long the oil will maintain its quality, though it’s not an absolute indicator of spoilage.

Signs That Sesame Oil Has Gone Bad

Let’s discuss how to know whether your sesame oil has spoiled. Here are some obvious, real-world indicators to guide you in deciding whether to discard that bottle:

1. Off Smell: The smell of sesame oil is also one of its distinguishing characteristics. New sesame oil smells rich, nutty, and unmistakable. If you open the bottle and smell something sour, metallic, or musty, it’s a huge red flag. Rancid smells mean the oil has oxidized and is no longer safe or enjoyable to use.
   Pro Tip: Always give your sesame oil a quick sniff before using it, especially if it’s been sitting for a while. Your nose is often the first line of defense!
2. Change in Color: Sesame oil usually turns golden or amber in colour based on whether or not it’s refined or toasted. When the oil gets unusually darker or goes cloudy, there is a big sign that the oil has spoiled. Even though some amount of cloudiness may be quite common in stored oil that’s refrigerated, continuous discoloration is not.
3. Bitter or Unpleasant Taste: The nutty, sweet taste of sesame oil is why it is such a popular ingredient. If you sample the oil and find a pungent, bitter, or stale taste, it means that the oil has turned rancid. This not only ruins the quality of your dishes but can also lead to digestive issues if ingested.
   Tip: If unsure, conduct a mini taste test. Taste with a clean spoon to prevent contaminating the bottle.
4. Sediment or Clumps: Although some raw sesame oils contain a small amount of sediment because of how they are made, heavy clumps or thick, sticky consistency may indicate that the oil has gone bad. This is particularly the case if the sediment develops after the oil has been properly stored.
   Tip: If you find sediment in your sesame oil, check the date on the bottle and do a smell and taste test to verify its state.
5. Leakage or Damaged Packaging: If the bottle appears to be damaged, has a leaky lid, or the seal is broken, it may contribute to quicker spoilage. Oil that is open to air, moisture, or impurities may spoil even before its anticipated shelf life.

Be careful, using rotten sesame oil can adversely affect the flavor and quality of your food, and although it is unlikely to lead to serious health problems, it’s wise to be cautious. If you observe any of these indications, it’s the time to throw away the oil and get a new bottle.

How to Store Sesame Oil Properly?

Proper storage is the secret to maximizing the shelf life of sesame oil. Here are some tips on how to keep it fresh:

1. Choose the Right Spot: Place sesame oil in a cool, dark environment, like a pantry or cupboard off the stove. Do not place it in an area that receives direct sunlight or heat.
2. Use Airtight Containers: When you transfer the oil into a different container, make sure it’s an airtight one to reduce exposure to the air.
3. Refrigeration: For toasted sesame oil or if you reside in a warm climate, refrigeration can prolong its freshness. Note that refrigerated sesame oil can thicken but will become liquid again at room temperature.
4. Buy Smaller Bottles: If you don’t use sesame oil often, purchase smaller bottles to prevent waste.

Does Sesame Oil Go Bad Faster Than Other Oils?

Compared to other oils, sesame oil’s shelf life is relatively average. For example:

• Olive Oil: Lasts for about 18-24 months unopened and 6-12 months after opening.
• Coconut Oil: Longest lasting oil. More stable due to its high saturated fat content; it lasts up to 2 years.
• Canola Oil: Similar to sesame oil, lasts about 12 months unopened and 6 months after opening.

Sesame oil’s tendency to spoil is primarily because of its polyunsaturated fats, which oxidize more quickly than saturated fats. Nevertheless, its full flavor and uses make it worthwhile to go to the trouble of storing it correctly.

Tips for Using Sesame Oil Before It Expires

In order to get the most from your sesame oil before it spoils, here are some suggestions:

1. Cooking: Employ it as a finishing oil for stir-fries, noodles, or roasted vegetables to deliver a burst of flavor.
2. Marinades: Add it to marinades for meats, tofu, or fish.
3. Salad Dressings: Combine it with soy sauce, vinegar, and honey for an Asian-style dressing.
4. Dipping Sauce: Mix it with chili oil, garlic, and soy sauce for a savory dip.

Can You Still Use Expired Sesame Oil?

Although it’s not advisable, you can try using sesame oil a few weeks after its expiration date if it doesn’t indicate any spoilage. Try a taste and smell test—if it smells nutty and tastes fine, chances are it’s safe for use. But always go for quality and safety when determining whether to use expired oil.

Sesame Oil: Use Before It Becomes Stale

So does sesame oil go bad? Oh, yes. As with all oils, sesame oil has a limited shelf life, but if you store it properly and handle it well, you can relish its nutty taste for months to come. By recognizing the signs of spoilage, taking good storage care, and getting creative, you can extract every ounce from it.

The next time you reach for your bottle of sesame oil, spare a moment to check its potency. With these tips, you’ll never have to second-guess its freshness again. Happy cooking!