How long can I keep my lipid oils, and How do I store them safely?

What determines the shelf life of a lipid oil

Four main factors can affect the shelf life of an oil

Light, Heat, Air, Time.

Unattached carbon atoms (unsaturated) bind with oxygen, making the oils rancid. Light, heat, and air speed up this process. Time is inevitable, and oils will eventually go off if left over a long period, so minimising the exposure to elements that might speed this process up is good practice.

Storage of Lipid Oils

To help prolong the life of your lipid oils, aside from using them to avoid natural time degradation, store them in a cool area with no direct heat or light, preferably in a dark glass container to minimise exposure to heat, light and air. Adding an antioxidant, like vitamin E or Wheatgerm, can also help extend an oil's shelf life.