How to Detect Mold and Rancidity in Coconut Oil

How to Tell if Coconut Oil Has Gone Bad or Has Mold

Coconut oil has become a popular cooking and baking oil due to its health benefits and tasty flavor. But like any food product, coconut oil can go rancid or become contaminated with mold. Knowing how to check your jars of coconut oil for signs of spoilage ensures you'll get the most shelf life out of this versatile pantry staple.

Appearance of Fresh Coconut Oil

When coconut oil is freshly opened, it should have a clean, white color free of any discoloration. The texture varies based on temperature. At warmer room temperatures, coconut oil is clear and liquid. When stored in cooler temperatures below 76F (24C), it becomes solid and white.

Signs of Rancid Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can go rancid over time, which leads to sour, unappetizing flavors and odors. Signs your coconut oil has gone rancid include:

• Change in color to yellow or grayish
• Strong unpleasant smell
• Off tastes like sour, bitter, or cheesy
• Grainy texture
• Oil separates and appears curdled

How Mold Grows in Coconut Oil

Mold is another common spoilage concern with coconut oil. Mold are fungi that spread through microscopic spores in the air. If these spores land on coconut oil, they can grow mold when the right conditions are present:

• Oxygen - Keeping lids tightly sealed prevents air exposure needed for mold.
• Moisture - Water is required for mold growth.
• Time - Mold develops over days or weeks of storage.
• Temperatures between 40100F (438C).

Detecting Mold in Coconut Oil

Checking coconut oil regularly helps detect mold in the early stages before it ruins an entire jar. Here are the signs that indicate mold growth:

1. Visible Mold Growth

Grey, green, black or white fuzzy patches or cotton-like webbing are clear visual signs of mold in coconut oil. The mold may initially appear in small spots and spread if not promptly discarded.

2. Color Changes

The normally white or clear color of coconut oil can become tinged with greens, blues, blacks, or browns if mold is present. The color may start light and darken over time.

3. Moldy Smell

An unpleasant, decaying or musty odor coming from the coconut oil is a warning sign you may have mold. The smell becomes stronger as mold growth increases.

4. Changes in Texture

The solid or liquid state of coconut oil can change with mold, becoming foamier or developing a grainy chunkiness in texture. Webbing may also be visible in the oil.

5.Layer or Film on Surface

Mold growth may appear as spots, dots, fuzz, or a film on the surface of the coconut oil instead of mixed throughout. Examine the top layer carefully before use.

Preventing Mold in Coconut Oil

Proper handling and storage methods help prevent mold growth in coconut oil. Follow these best practices for keeping coconut oil fresh longer:

Buy Small Containers

Purchasing coconut oil in smaller containers instead of large tubs or drums ensures you wont be using the same coconut oil for months on end before its finished.

Check Expiration Dates

Check the expiration or best by date before purchasing coconut oil. Avoid coconut oil that is close to or past these dates.

Inspect Before Buying

Open the lid and inspect and smell coconut oil before purchasing. Look for off-colors or textures. Avoid jars that seem old, damaged, or already show signs of spoilage.

Refrigerate After Opening

Unopened coconut oil has a shelf life of 2-5 years, but refrigerating opened coconut oil extends its life. The cold temperature deters mold and rancidity.

Use Clean Utensils

Always use clean spoons and utensils when scooping out coconut oil. Never reinsert a used spoon back into the jar.

Keep Lids Tightly Sealed

Replace lids immediately and tightly after each use to block oxygen that feeds mold growth.

Store in Opaque Container

Transferring coconut oil to an airtight, opaque container prevents light exposure that can accelerate rancidity or mold.

Sanitizing and Salvaging Coconut Oil with Mold

If you catch mold growth early, it may be possible to sanitize and salvage some of the coconut oil in the container. Here are some possible methods:

Boiling Water Method

Bring water to a rolling boil. Place the closed container of coconut oil in the hot water and keep submerged for 10-15 minutes. This may kill mold spores on the oils surface. Skim off any residue.

Vinegar Water Soak

Wipe the lid and outside of the container with vinegar. Soak a paper towel in vinegar water and lay it on top of the coconut oils surface for 10 minutes before discarding. Vinegar is antimicrobial against mold.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Wash off the lid and outside of the container with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Carefully pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on top of the oils surface. Let sit 5 minutes before skimming off the top layer.

Microwave Method

Microwaving coconut oil for 30 seconds may kill mold spores on the oil's surface. Allow to cool before opening lid and skimming any residue.

Freezing Then Straining

Place coconut oil container in freezer overnight to solidify oil, then scrape out solid chunks. Strain through cheesecloth to remove any mold. Re-freeze strained oil in a different container.

When to Toss Coconut Oil

Coconut oil with more extensive mold growth or rancidity cannot be safely salvaged. Discard coconut oil if it has the following:

• Pungent rancid odor, flavors, or grainy texture throughout
• Mold penetrating deep in the coconut oil, not just surface growth
• Mold makes up more than 10% of the jar
• Darkened color or other signs oil is too far gone

Trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out to be safe. Moldy coconut oil can make you sick if consumed.

Checking coconut oil regularly and practicing proper storage methods can help maximize shelf life. But some spoilage is inevitable with time, so use opened coconut oil within a few months. Pay attention to changes in odor, color, texture and appearance to catch rancidity or mold promptly. Discard coconut oil at the first major signs of spoilage. Your health and taste buds will thank you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.