I have excess coconut oil left but is it ok to freeze coconut oil? Well, I believe that every chef is expected to know the answer to this question.
This is because coconut oil is one of the most popular oils. It can be used for several dishes. It can also be used instead of other oils.
Coconut oil is extracted from the white pulp of coconut and processed in a variety of ways.
But unlike most of these other oils, coconut oil is widely known not only in its liquid form but also in its solid form.
So, how best can you preserve this oil? Come along with me then!
Coconut oil can be frozen for up to 5 years. Successful freezing entails that you can use it when you remove it from the freezer. For this to happen it must be thawed before freezing
Variants of Oil Gotten From Coconut Oil
There are different means which are used to extract oil from the coconut.
Fresh or dried coconut can be used during the production of oil.
And the following types and variants of oil that are obtained are as follows.
Partially Hydrogenated
Unsaturated fats are completely or partially hydrogenated to create products.
Through this process of fat hydrogenation, these products last longer and stay firm in warm environments.
Refined
Dried coconut is mechanically pressed, heated, or steamed to remove odors.
It is then filtered to remove solid particles and other impurities. The final product is odorless and tasteless.
At this point, it has a smoke point rising from 400-450 degrees.
Note: Coconut oil is wonderful as a good, nutritious, and healthy part of your diet. It has lots of fats that are very vital for your brain and body system.
Native or Extra Virgin
Coconut pulp can be dried and then squeezed to make oil. It can also be freshly squeezed to provide both milk and oil.
The smoke point of the final product is as low as about 350 degrees. This is suitable for baking and for making foods.
Tip: It’s good for your skin and shelf life tends to be longer. You can freeze coconut oil for a long time to preserve it.
How else can it be stored?
Is It Ok To Freeze Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil should be frozen to prevent oxidation and spoilage.
This happens when coconut oil is left at room temperature for extended periods.
For long-term storage, you can freeze coconut oil in a safe container in the freezer.
Can coconut oil be kept in the refrigerator? Is this another question one may ask?
The answer is yes because refrigeration helps solidify the liquid oil. Thereafter it may be used for recipes that require solid oil for baking.
Coconut oil freezes as soon as the temperature drops below 23.9 ° C. There are many reasons to freeze coconut oil because you want to freeze most foods and oils.
Tip: It does not necessarily have to be frozen to extend its shelf life. Freezing it makes it easier to use with your recipes and skin lotions you may want to make at home.
How to Freeze Coconut Oil?
By now you know that the answer is obviously yes if you’re asking ‘Can you freeze coconut oil?’
So, let’s dive right in and find out how to freeze coconut oil.
Step #1. Melt Down the Coconut Oil
Coconut oil needs to be melted before it is frozen. Coconut oil is usually in a solid form at temperatures below 22 ° C.
So you will be required to melt down the oil before putting it into freezing.
Do not over-melt coconut oil as it will begin to decompose if heated under high temperatures.
Also, keep in mind that it is not cooked. Bring it to heating until it liquified.
One way to do this is to pour hot water until the container melts. This melts the oil without boiling it.
Step #2. Portion the Coconut Oil
When the coconut oil has completely melted in the container, share the coconut into portions (to your preferred serving size).
You can use a safe container in an iced dish to split the coconut oil for freezing.
When making small batches, the amount of coconut oil is kept uniform. This makes it easier to use after removal from the freezer.
Step #3. Cover the Oil to Keep Out Air & Freeze
After separating. Wrap the coconut oil with aluminum foil.
Firmly secures the sides of the whole split serving. Freeze for 2 hours or until completely frozen.
Coconut oil should be sealed appropriately to keep out air, lest it spoils in a short time.
Note: Coconut oil begins to solidify at about 75°F (23.9°C).
Step #4. Take Out the Oil from Its Container & Store
Wait for a few hours after putting the coconut oil to freezing before getting it out.
Save some of the coconut oil between parchment paper and paraffin paper.
Do this before placing it in a container or using an airtight freezer bag.
Then remove it from each container and keep them in a safe bag.
Tip: Try to remove all the excess air in the freezer bag.
Step #5. Add Date to the Container
The date on the container is to help anyone indicate how long the oil has been stored or frozen.
The coconut oil shouldn’t be kept for longer than 2 years.
It is essential to date your containers in order to be in reminder, and also to keep others in the know.
Step #6. Keep In the Microwave for Melting
The best way to thaw coconut oil before keeping it in the freezer is in the microwave.
Please note that it will melt. You don’t want it to start boiling.
Place in a suitable bowl and microwave for a few seconds at a time, stirring regularly until the coconut oil is liquid.
Useful Tips You Need To Know When Freezing Coconut Oil
Now that you know how to freeze, here are three tips that we highly recommend for the best results when freezing coconut oil.
Think Carefully About the Quantity
Make sure to choose a serving size that matches the quantity of coconut oil you will use at regular intervals.
Fortunately, the average ice cube size is almost optimal for most purposes. You can also use any silicone mold that fits your needs.
Understand How to Use It
The use of coconut oil that has been frozen is the next concern that people seek to know about.
And there are many ways you can use your frozen oil.
A small amount of coconut oil that is frozen can be applied to the skin during cooking, baking, or as a soothing lotion.
How Can I Tell If Coconut Oil Has Gotten Worse And No Longer Useful?
Coconut oil does not spoil as easily as many other foods. But it can spoil if improperly stored or handled.
Here are some ways to determine if coconut oil is bad and needs to be discarded.
As always, throw it away when in doubt.
Appearance
If the coconut oil shows obvious signs of mold, it has deteriorated. Some may say that you can scrape the mold and use the oil as usual.
This is not always certain, as mold is present in other parts of the coconut oil and may still be invisible.
Also, brown or green particles may form on the bottom of the coconut oil. Or the oil may even turn yellowish.
Both of these are signs that your coconut oil is getting worse.
Smell
As with many foods, if coconut oil has a strange or sour odor, it may be rancid.
If the odor from the coconut oil jar is unexpected or unusual, throw it away.
Taste
If coconut oil passes other tests but you are not sure if it is good, do a taste test. If it tastes good, it will start to become sour.
Conclusion
In this article we have answered the question ‘is it ok to freeze coconut oil? We know that coconut cream and oil replaces butter, margarine, and other cooking oils.
Freezing coconut oil can be a very popular way to keep it fresh for a long time without spoiling.
Freezing it doesn’t hurt at all; In fact, freezing it is considered the best way to preserve coconut oil at home.
The best way to preserve coconut oil is to divide it into several parts. Place them in the freezer until frozen solid.
Then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer-safe food storage bag. Date the bag, remove excess air, and keep them in the freezer.