Nut oil shelf life?How long can you keep nut oils?

[mudbug]

How long will unopened bottles of nut oils
(walnut, almond, hazelnut etc.) keep? I
have several bottles that I have had for a
couple years that have never been opened. I
keep them in the refrigerator. Since it's
been so long, must they be thrown out? Is a
taste test the only way to know? But what
happens after I open them? I suppose then
they must be used up and not kept any
longer?. Advice please.

As far as I know about oils, the best way to check if they are good, is if you taste them. Golden rule at home or at the job, only buy what you need, but keeping them in the refrigerator is the best thing that you can do for now.

[Ruthy]

A really good quality French nut oil will keep for a very long timje in the fridge, even after being opened. But what are you waiting for? Hazelnut oil is a treat on a salad. Do you have any pumpkin seed oil? If so drizzle a little over a piece of grilled fish!

Oils are, like many ingredients, sensitive to light, temperature and oxygen. Unopened bottles are protected from the oxygen, however keep them out of the light and extreem temps and they should last for years.

Anyone ever thought to use that argon, CO2, and NO2 gas that is being used in preserving wine? It works wonders with wine by putting a layer of gas over the wine and keeping it from oxidizing. I would think that this would work with oils as well... I would test it myself, but I am currently outside the US and will not be visiting for another 5 months.

Anyone willing to make a try? If the oil is kept out of the light and away from heat, it would add to the shelf life.

Stephen