How to Store Flaxseed Oil

What actually helps

• Refrigerate after opening. This slows the oxidation that flaxseed oil is naturally more prone to than most cooking oils.
• Keep it in a dark bottle or away from light even before opening, since light exposure accelerates the same breakdown.
• Buy in a quantity you will realistically use within a couple of months, rather than a large bottle that sits open for a long time.
• Seal the bottle tightly after each use rather than leaving it loosely capped between uses.
• Trust smell and taste over a printed date. Flaxseed oil that has gone off smells distinctly different from fresh.

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Flaxseed oil storage questions

Does flaxseed oil really need refrigeration?

Yes, more than most cooking oils. Its fat content is more prone to oxidation, and cold storage slows that noticeably.

How long does flaxseed oil last once opened?

A couple of months refrigerated is a reasonable expectation, sooner if it is stored at room temperature instead.

Can unopened flaxseed oil be kept at room temperature?

A cool, dark pantry works for an unopened bottle, though refrigeration is still the safer choice if you have the space.

How do I know if flaxseed oil has gone rancid?

A sharp, unpleasant or bitter smell replacing the usual mild, grassy one is the clearest sign.