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How to choose seed oil
How to choose a good seed oil, what does it contain and how to store it properly? Seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, it is a good source of vitamins, especially peanut oil which, rich in vitamin E, is an excellent ally of the cardiovascular system; corn oil is useful for reducing bad cholesterol levels in the blood while sunflower oil helps lower triglyceride levels.
How to store it: does seed oil expire?
Depending on the type of seed, oils are also distinguished by their greater or lesser tendency to go rancid: transparent bottles contribute to the process because they do not shield the oxidizing action of light. For these reasons, it is advisable to transfer the seed oil into dark bottles, always carefully close the cap and store them in places away from sources of light and heat. Despite their initial good nutritional properties, it is important to remember that seed oils, through the refining process, lose a good part of their nutrients, so it is preferable to choose varieties of oil obtained with mechanical extraction, “first pressing” and better if cold-extracted.
Does seed oil have an expiration date? In general, oils last 12-18 months: after that they inevitably start to go rancid. By applying the precautions above you can extend its life up to 18-20 months, but you will see that the flavor (and nutritional properties) will gradually be lost. Consuming rancid seed oil is not dangerous: it will not cause major problems, but some small digestive problems for sure; if the seed oil is going rancid, you can reuse it as a strengthener for nails and hair. If you have already used it and want to dispose of it, remember to take it to the nearest recycling center.
The tab on the cap? Better not throw it away
We are used to thinking that that little tab that we detach from the cap of the seed oil bottle is useless and in fact we throw it away at the first use. What if we told you that that little tab has a specific use? Seed oil bottles have a triangular hole sealed with a tab that we pull off with a ring: that tab can help us measure out the oil, avoiding waste and frying that is a bit too heavy. How to do it? We open the bottle, pull off the tab and reinsert it into the hole by turning the plastic ring inside the bottle and applying light pressure. In this way, we will have created a slot through which the oil will come out in a trickle, slowly, with an easily adjustable flow.
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