Many people still prefer the flavor and texture of real fish oil, which is incredibly rich in fats and essential nutrients. That’s why when they hear the words “unopened bottle of fish oil” they immediately think of healthy fats and vitamin-rich nutrition. But what happens when that bottle is opened and the product starts to deteriorate? Will it go bad quickly, or will it keep its freshness for a long time? That’s the question. Let’s dive in and find out!
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Odor, Taste And Physical Degradation
When people first hear about fish oil, they assume that it’s fresh and has a great taste. Since then, many companies have marketed and sold it as a food supplement, hoping to cash in on that positive image. While it is true that unopened bottles of fish oil don’t have an unpleasant odor or taste, that same oil does start deteriorating fairly quickly once it’s been opened. This is mainly due to the fact that it’s far more vulnerable to heat and light than other types of oils. The smell and taste become progressively worse, and the oil becomes less sticky and more fluid. If you consume it, you might experience one of the following symptoms:
- Digestive issues
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
So, what are the most common causes of these issues? The short answer is: oxidation. As humans have evolved and begun farming, preserving food has become an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you consume mass quantities of food items that were previously stored away in the depths of the frozen north, the consequences can be quite severe. Exposure to extreme temperatures causes unsaturated fats to become rancid. While this isn’t necessarily bad, it is certainly an acquired taste that most people wouldn’t find appealing. That said, there are ways to avoid this problem. For example, you can store your fish oil in the dark to minimize any deterioration.
Short-Lived Flavor
If you consume food that was previously frozen, there’s also the risk of experiencing something known as “freezer burn.” This refers to the unpleasant odor that can come from food that was exposed to extremely low temperatures. Put simply, the freezer compartment of your fridge is a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that cause odor. Freezer burn isn’t as troublesome as food-borne illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella. But, if you want to keep your flavor memories of real fish oil, you should avoid exposing it to temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to causing odor issues, low temperatures also cause fish oil to become cloudy (think: milk that went bad). When this happens, the oil is no longer the bright, fresh, and tasty commodity that it was when you first opened the bottle.
Salty And Irritating
If you live by yourself, there’s also the issue of storing your goods in a place that’s easily accessible to kids and pets. Any items that are prone to deterioration (such as fish oil) should be stored away from areas where curious children and animals might discover them and begin to play with them. One of the primary causes of irritation for some people is the fact that fish oil is saline-based. So, while you’re striving for a healthier lifestyle, remember to store your products away from areas where animals and children might reach them. This is especially important if you have pets or young children who are prone to ingesting small objects.
Necessary For The Environment
In the environment, there’s also the issue of plastic. While it’s great that we have plastics so that food and drink don’t have to be stored in metal containers, there’s also the harm that these materials do to the planet. When something decomposes, it creates various forms of microplastic. This being said, there are eco-friendly ways to store and consume your fish oil. For instance, you could purchase a ceramic mug that’s large enough to hold a standard-sized bottle of oil. In addition, you could line the interior of the mug with aluminum foil to avoid any contact with the plastic materials. When it comes to storing food that is perishable in an eco-friendly manner, there are certainly options available. But, until more people become aware of the damage that they’re doing to the planet by overconsumption, it’s probably best to avoid processed foods and eat fresh, natural foods as much as possible.
Longer Shelf Life
The longer a food item is stored, the more the flavor deteriorates. So, if you want your unopened bottle of fish oil to have the best flavor when you finally decide to consume it, avoid storing it in places where there’s lots of air and light. While it’s not always possible to avoid all these issues, you can usually minimize their severity by storing your goods in a cool, dark, and dry place. If you use the correct storage methods, you’ll be able to enjoy that fresh fish flavor for much longer than you would if you’d followed the usual guidelines. So, while it might be tempting to just toss that unused oil in the trash, you might actually be doing yourself a favor by keeping it.
Best Way To Eat
As you’ve probably guessed, there’s also the issue of whether you should consume it cold or hot. While both options taste fantastic, it’s generally recommended to eat your fish oil cold. The reason behind this being that hot temperatures cause oils to become more viscous, and as a result, they become more difficult to digest. So, if you want to keep that oil tasting as fresh as it did the day you opened the bottle, cook it or allow it to cool down to room temperature before you consume it.
Health Benefits
There are also the health benefits that you’ll experience by eating fish oil. First and foremost, it’ll help you to stay healthier. In addition to this, there are also studies that show that fish oil can help to fight certain types of cancer and heart disease. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to frying foods, consider eating fish oil instead.
Final Takeaway
In summary, if you want to keep that fresh fish flavor, you should store your unopened bottle away from places where there’s lots of air and light. Once you’ve opened the bottle, avoid exposing it to extreme heat and keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place. It’s also advisable to cook or reheat food before you consume it if it’s been stored in the fridge. In addition to these recommendations, you should also avoid going overboard with your consumption. While it’s true that fatty foods are good for you and your body needs some fats to function, it’s also important to eat in moderation if you want to retain that healthy vibe. So, if you want the best flavor, avoid storing your bottle of fish oil in places where there’s lots of air and light, expose it to extreme temperatures, and cook or reheat food before you consume it.