How to Store Sesame Oil

What actually helps

• Keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, the same basic principle that protects most cooking oils.
• A tightly sealed container matters more than refrigeration for most households, though a hot climate can still benefit from it.
• Sesame oil naturally resists rancidity better than many other unrefined oils, thanks to its own antioxidant compounds.
• Roasted sesame oil, being more aromatic, can lose some of its intensity over time even before it technically spoils.
• Use within a reasonable time of opening for the best flavour, even though the oil itself keeps fairly well.

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Sesame oil storage questions

Does sesame oil need refrigeration?

Not usually. It is naturally more stable than many unrefined oils, so a cool, dark pantry is generally enough.

Why is sesame oil more stable than other unrefined oils?

It carries natural antioxidant compounds that help resist oxidation better than many other seed oils manage on their own.

How long does sesame oil last once opened?

Generally longer than flaxseed oil, often a year or more if kept cool, dark and tightly sealed.

Does roasted sesame oil lose flavour over time?

Its aroma can soften gradually even before spoiling, so using it within several months keeps the flavour at its best.