Have you ever thought about freezing olive oil? It is definitely something that not many people have done, and it might seem like a strange idea. But if you want to save your money for the future or just want to have some of this healthy fat on hand at all times, then freezing olive oil might be a good option. In this article, we will answer the question “does olive oil freeze?” as well as give you tips on how to properly freeze and defrost it.
Olive oil is one of the kitchen favorites
Olive oil is one of the best fats that you can have in your diet, and it is a healthy option for cooking. It’s important to note that olive oil has little nutritional value when compared to other oils like coconut or avocado oil, but there are many benefits from eating it.
Olive Oil also contains some antioxidants which help protect against disease as well as help with reducing inflammation.
Why would you freeze olive oil?
Olive oil is great for cooking and being a healthy fat in your diet, but it can also go bad quickly if not stored properly in a cool, dark place. It’s important to use olive oil within six months of opening the bottle or else you risk rancid flavors coming from it, as well as oxidation which will make it turn to liquid when sitting on the countertop at room temperature.
There are a number of reasons to freeze olive oil, including financial and health benefits.
- Financial: If you live in an area where the cost of living is high or for some reason have difficulty with spending money on food, then freezing your olive oil might be a great option. You can buy bulk quantities at much lower prices than what it costs when it’s fresh from the store, and then just freeze what you don’t need right away so that it lasts longer. This way you won’t ever be tempted by those expensive gourmet bottles!
- Health: To avoid oxidation which will turn your olive oil into liquid if left sitting out too long at room temperature, you’ll want to make sure that any extra jar does not go bad before using up all of the oil. Freezing olive oils can help save leftovers from going bad and also prevent you from buying more than what you need in bulk quantities.
So, can you freeze olive oil? really?
The answer to “can you freeze olive oil?” is YES, If placed on a very cold surface or container, but there are some things to think about before freezing your food items. Olive oil isn’t water and so it doesn’t freeze at the same temperature. To freeze olive oil you need to store it at a temperature below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure the container is airtight.
It’s important to note that the fats in olive oil will actually rise and form a layer on top of the clear liquid. This is usually about 16 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, which can make it difficult for your freezer to get cold enough during those months when temperatures outside are significantly higher than inside.
You can also separate it into ice cubes trays to freeze it and then take out one cube when you need a little bit of olive oil.
How long does olive oil last in the freezer?
It’s important to know how long olive oil will last in the freezer before you freeze it. The shelf life of fresh or unopened olive oil is about six months from the date of purchase and that can be extended by freezing up to a year, but if your container has been opened then this time period will shorten.
Freezing oil won’t kill its health benefits, but if it’s been in the freezer for a year, then you might notice that there aren’t as many nutrients left.
How do I defrost my frozen olive oil?
There are a few ways that you can defrost your frozen oils so they’re ready for cooking! You’ll want to start with placing them on the countertop at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to using them because when removed directly from their cold state they may have some crystallization which could make them too thick while heating.
You can also place it in a liquid bath by pouring about an inch of water into your container and placing the oil on top. The olive oil will then turn to a liquid state and be ready for heating up.
Make sure to use your olive oil quickly after defrosting as it will go rancid faster than if it was stored in the pantry/refrigerator.
Summary – Does olive oil freeze?
There you have it! The basics of freezing your olive oil and the reasons you might want to do it. Freezing olive oil isn’t as uncommon as you thought. As long as you follow our instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of this secret freezer food.