How long does frying oil last?

[DougMD]

I bought some cottonseed oil about two years ago from BassPro, and used it about three times. They were in those gallon or so containers, and I drained it as best I could but they are discolored somewhat from frying. Do you think it is still ok to use? I wanted to fry some chicken but don't want to get the family sick!

Thanks!

[Big Guy01]

I don't think you will make your family sick as the heat of the oil would kill any active stuff in it. But the flavor may be off. Oil can oxidize and go rancid which would give an off flavor to things cooked in it. If It were me I'd get new oil. Go with Canola oil one of the cheapest and also one of the best!

[DougMD]

Thanks!

[rbduck]

While in the restaurant business, we used to say "If you have to think about it, Throw it away!"

Ron

[captainette]

ORIGINAL: rbduck

While in the restaurant business, we used to say "If you have to think about it, Throw it away!"

Yep, in the South that's "When in doubt, throw it out!"

Of course, we don't cook anything down here in cotton seed oil, anyway. *LOL*

[Arrowmaster]

Id get rid of it. Peanut oil is the best. But expensive...

[Huntermann]

Oil that's rancid will have a slight rancid smell to it. Smell it and see. You could also put some in a pan crank up the heat and smell it. If it is rancid you'll know it.

[Champlain Islander]

I look at it for color and clarity and give it the sniff test.

[Pawildman]

Why take the chance? We cook turkeys at camp several times a year, but we always change the oil after several uses, and if any is left over winter, it goes out the next spring before we do anymore.

[drstalker]

I'll generally get bout four turkey fryings out of my peanut oil,you can tell when it's time to throw out when it gets harder and harder ot regulate the fryer temps.