Is my Coconut Oil bad?

KBGirts

I don't use coconut oil that often to cook with because I am a huge fan of butter and bacon grease. But I got my jar out the other night because I feel like I should incorporate more of it since it's so healthy. Normally it's a juicy, fluffy consistancy but last night it was straight liquid.... the entire jar. Is it bad or does the consistancy change? It did not smell rancid or anything. I bought it several months ago. What's the shelf life?

zellagrrl

I don't use coconut oil that often to cook with because I am a huge fan of butter and bacon grease. But I got my jar out the other night because I feel like I should incorporate more of it since it's so healthy. Normally it's a juicy, fluffy consistancy but last night it was straight liquid.... the entire jar. Is it bad or does the consistancy change? It did not smell rancid or anything. I bought it several months ago. What's the shelf life?

Mine melts when it gets hot. The jar in the bathroom actually gets very melty after a nice hot shower I have no concerns about it... probably just warm or sat by the oven (usually my issue).

eireannyoung

Yup, it just melted in the heat! Mine does this too when the temperature outside is high or if it's sitting near the oven. I'll usually put it in the fridge for 20mins or so so it can get a bit more solid.

KBGirts

That's what I figured. It's in the cabinet next to the oven. I got it out last night about an hour after cooking dinner.

Thanks!

monkeydharma

Coconut oil solidifies around 75 degrees, so anywhere above that it can turn back into liquid state. It's a common occurrence.

KBGirts

I keep my house pretty warm during the day as well to cut down on the electirc bill. When I'm at work, it's set to 82. When I am home I set the thermostat to 77 or so, and run fans, but not in the kitchen. I guess the coconut oil is always going to be liquid!!! .... until winter anyway! :laugh:

christimw

mine melted too. so, it's still ok to use? is it ok to cool it in the fridge then re use it (i'm thinking along the lines of something thawing then being re frozen?) i just find it much more manageable as a solid.

spirit80

Just put it in the frig! It will be fine.

MrsAbles

Mine is liquid this summer, too. When I put it in the fridge, it was too hard to scoop a spoonful out, so I put it back in the pantry. It won't hurt it though, like thawing frozen food and refreezing.

monkeydharma

Coconut oil is a saturated fat. Part of the definition of a saturated fat is that it's solid at room temperature. Lard and tallow are also saturated, but their melting points are a bit higher.

It doesn't matter whether the oil is solid or liquid - unless you're trying to spread it on something. Since it doesn't go rancid easily, it can stay liquid if you go through at a normal pace.