So you don't waste it, here's how to reuse cooking oil without it smelling or turning black.

foto: freepik.com

It is important to know how to clean and store cooking oil so that it remains safe to use several times without losing its quality.

Brilio.net - The price of cooking oil that continues to rise makes many people choose to use it more than once. But, the problem is, reused oil often turns dark in color, smells rancid, and even foams when heated. This certainly makes fried food less tasty and can have a bad impact on health.

Oil that is used repeatedly without proper care can contain free radicals and harmful substances that can increase the risk of various diseases. Therefore, it is important to know how to clean and store cooking oil so that it remains safe to use several times without losing its quality.

There are some simple tricks that can be applied to keep cooking oil clean, not damaged quickly, and can be reused without odor or blackening. Here are some easy ways!

1. Use raw potatoes to absorb dirt

photo: freepik.com

One of the causes of cooking oil turning black is the remaining food crumbs left after frying. If not cleaned, these food residues will burn and cause the oil to spoil quickly. An easy way to clean it is to use raw potatoes.

Why potatoes?
- Potatoes contain starch which can absorb the remaining dirt in the oil.
- Does not change the taste or aroma of the oil.
- Natural and safe way to clean oil without chemicals.

Material:
- 1 medium sized potato

How to make:
1. Peel the potatoes, then cut them into several thick slices.
2. Heat used cooking oil over low heat.
3. Put the potato slices into the hot oil and let them sit for 2-3 minutes.
4. Lift the potatoes, then strain the oil using a sieve or oil filter paper.

Additional tips:
- Do this every time you finish frying to keep the oil clean.
- Do not use potatoes that are already soft, as they can leave residue in the oil.

2. Add vinegar or cornstarch to clean the oil.

If the oil starts to get cloudy, you can clean it with a mixture of vinegar or cornstarch. Both of these ingredients help absorb food particles and make the oil appear clearer.

Why are vinegar and cornstarch effective?
- Vinegar binds dirt and helps remove rancid odors from used oil.
- Cornstarch absorbs any remaining small particles left in the oil.

Material:
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 500 ml used cooking oil

How to make:
1. Mix vinegar or cornstarch into the cold oil.
2. Stir well, then let stand for 5-10 minutes so that the dirt is absorbed.
3. Filter the oil with a cloth or filter paper to separate the dirt sediment.

Note: Do not use too much vinegar, as it can change the taste of the oil.

3. Store oil in the right way

In addition to cleaning the oil, proper storage also plays an important role so that the oil can be reused without spoiling quickly.

Tips for storing oil to keep it fresh:
- Use an airtight container: Avoid storing oil in an open container as it can absorb odors from the surroundings.
- Keep away from direct sunlight: Sunlight can accelerate the oxidation of oils, causing them to go rancid quickly.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Stable room temperature will maintain the quality of the oil longer.
- Do not mix new oil with used oil: This can accelerate the deterioration of the new oil.

Recommended containers:
- Dark glass or stainless steel bottles: Reduces exposure to light and air.
- Food-grade plastic containers: Avoid thin plastic that can react with oil.

Cooking oil can still be reused, but there are limitations. Oil that has been used too often will experience oxidation, which can produce substances that are harmful to the body.

How many times can oil be reused?
- Regular vegetable oil: Can be used up to 3-4 times if cleaned properly.
- Coconut oil or olive oil: Longer lasting, can be used up to 5 times.
- Oil used for frying starchy or high-fat foods: Should not be used more than 2 times because it will spoil quickly.

Signs that oil is no longer suitable for use:
- The color changes to blackish brown
- Rancid smell even after cleaning
- Foams when heated
- Tastes bitter or leaves an unpleasant aftertaste

If the oil shows the signs above, it is best not to use it again because it can have a bad impact on health.

1. Can used oil that has turned black still be used?

Not recommended. Blackened oil indicates high oxidation and likely contains harmful substances. It is best to discard and replace with new oil.

2. How do you know if oil is rancid?

Rancid oil usually has a pungent odor, tastes bitter when tasted, and produces more smoke when heated.

3. Is it permissible to mix new oil with used oil?

Not recommended. Mixing new oil with used oil can accelerate the deterioration of the new oil and make food less healthy.

4. Can used oil be stored in the refrigerator?

Yes, but not required. Oil is best stored at cool room temperature and out of direct sunlight. If you want to store it in the refrigerator, make sure it is in an airtight container.

5. How do you dispose of used cooking oil that is no longer suitable for use?

Do not pour it directly into the sink or drain as it can clog pipes. Instead, pour it into a sealed container and dispose of it with household waste or use it to make used oil candles.

(brl/tin)