Coconut oil is a great way to bond with your food in many different meals, and its health benefits are widely known. However, those who are not familiar with using coconut oil will be bewildered when it turns hard and solidifies after storage or cooling. To prevent this from happening, this guide will provide helpful information on how to keep coconut oil as a liquid without it going hard.
It has its own unique personality that can go through some fairly drastic changes depending on the temperature at which it is stored (whether left at room temperature or refrigerated). Coconut oil is usually liquid at warm/hot temperatures, while they remain solid when cooled to such temperatures.
The key to keeping coconut oil from turning hard and solidifying is understanding how temperature directly influences its chemical composition and physical properties like texture and odor. Based on that understanding, we’ll provide you with various techniques for preventing the coconut oil from becoming too hard at normal cold room temperatures.
Keeping Coconut Oil Liquid
Coconut oil is becoming increasingly popular for its multitude of uses and health benefits, but when it’s in its solid form, it isn’t always optimal for use. Therefore, it’s important to know how to keep coconut oil in its liquid form without it going hard.
To begin, let’s take a look at some of the ways to keep coconut oil liquid.
Store in a cool, dark place
Keeping a jar of it in your pantry is an ideal way to ensure that the oil remains liquid. Generally, it should be kept away from direct sunlight, which will cause it to harden. It should also not be left near heat sources such as a stove or radiator as this can make it soft and runny.
If you do not have a cool and dark pantry available at home then consider storing the jar in the refrigerator where temperatures are low. It is important to note that coconut oil does not like extreme temperatures, so avoid putting it in the freezer or leaving it outside for prolonged periods of time.
If storing it in the cupboard or on a shelf then additional tips include using an airtight container and checking periodically for any discoloration—a sign that your oil may be over-exposed to warmth or light. Placing a small piece of wax paper over the surface of stored coconut oil can also prevent bacteria growth, making it last even longer.
Place in a sealed container
Coconut oil is a rather unique substance. It is solid at room temperature and when exposed to temperatures below 76°F, it will become hard and need to be melted in order to be used. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep your coconut oil liquid without having it go hard.
One of the best ways to ensure your coconut oil stays liquid is by placing it in an airtight container that keeps the humidity out and the temperature more consistent. By doing this, you can prevent any external influences from changing the texture of your coconut oil, allowing it to remain in its liquid form for longer periods of time. Additionally, avoid letting direct sunlight or any other source of warm air come into contact with your container as this could cause the coconut oil to become too hot or melt completely.
Add a few drops of essential oil
It has many wonderful uses and benefits because of its high concentration of saturated fats. Unfortunately, this becomes a problem when trying to keep it as a liquid. It tends to solidify at temperatures below 76°F (24°C). To prevent this from happening, you can add a few drops of essential oil to it while it’s still melted. Make sure that the one you use is non-toxic and suitable for internal use.
Adding just a few drops is enough to keep it liquid in most room temperatures. Alternatively, but less practical, you could also store it in warm water or wrap the container in towels that have been soaked in hot water. This method may need to be repeated if the temperature inside your house gets below 76°F (24°C).
Understanding the science behind coconut oil’s solidification
It is a versatile ingredient that has a range of benefits, from cooking and baking to skincare and hair care. However, it can be frustrating when it solidifies and becomes difficult to use. Understanding the science behind this process can help you keep your coconut oil in a liquid state. It is composed of different types of fatty acids, such as lauric, caprylic, and capric acid.
The melting point of these fatty acids varies, which is why it can change from a solid to a liquid state. In warmer temperatures, the fatty acids melt and the oil becomes liquid, while in cooler temperatures, the fatty acids solidify and it becomes solid.
Additionally, the purity and quality of the coconut oil can also affect its solidification. Unrefined coconut oil, which is less processed, tends to have a lower melting point and may be more likely to remain in a liquid state. By understanding the science behind coconut oil’s solidification, you can take steps to keep it in a liquid state and make it easier to use in your daily routine.
Benefits of Keeping Coconut Oil Liquid
Keeping it in liquid form can be beneficial in a number of ways. Not only will it make it easier to use, but it can also be better for your health.
It is high in healthy fats and has a number of other health benefits. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of keeping it liquid and how to keep it in liquid form without it going hard.
Easier to measure out
Keeping it liquid has numerous advantages, but one of the most interesting ones is that it makes measuring more accurate and efficient. It solidifies below 76°F (24°C), making it difficult to measure out if you’re working with a solid block or bar. By keeping coconut oil liquid, you can easily measure out exact amounts in teaspoons or tablespoons.
This is especially beneficial for those who are counting calories and attempting to keep track of their macros intake level. Keeping it liquid also helps ensure that any ingredients blended together with the coconut oil will not separate when combined due to differing consistencies.
Easier to spread or mix
Keeping it liquid can have a number of benefits, from making it easier to spread or mix in with other ingredients. If it is frozen, the texture and consistency are changed, so it may not always be as easy to use when it goes hard.
It gives you more options when using coconut oil; for instance, you can combine it with other acidic liquids such as honey, lemon juice or vinegar and make a liquid mix that can be used in place of butter or oil in baking. The liquid form also makes it easier to evenly spread the oil across your skin and hair.
Plus, when mixed with other essential oils and herbs, including lavender essential oil or rosemary extract may provide additional health benefits due to the combination of their healing properties.
Can be used as a beauty product
In addition to using it as an ingredient in cooking, it can also be used as a beauty product. Due to its soothing and nourishing properties, liquefied one can be beneficial for skin, hair and other cosmetic treatments.
For example, it is often used as an ingredient in lotions, lip balms and make-up removers due to its ability to moisturize and soften the skin. Additionally, it can be used as a natural hair conditioner or deep treatment; just massage a small amount of melted coconut oil into dry hair or onto split ends for added nourishment.
Using a liquid form of coconut oil is also much easier than solidified one due to its advanced spreadability — making it ideal for massaging into the scalp or creating DIY masks that don’t require any tools for application.
FAQs
Q: Can I store coconut oil in the refrigerator to keep it liquid?
A: No, storing it in the refrigerator will cause it to solidify even more.
Q: How can I prevent coconut oil from solidifying?
A: Keeping it at a warm room temperature or adding liquid ones such as olive oil or grapeseed can prevent it from solidifying.
Q: How much liquid oil should I add to coconut oil to keep it liquid?
A: It is recommended to add 1-2 tablespoons of it for every cup of coconut oil.
Q: Can I use coconut oil in its solid form for beauty purposes?
A: Yes, it can be used for beauty purposes, such as moisturizing the skin and hair.
Q: Is there a specific type of coconut oil that remains liquid?
A: Fractionated coconut oil is a type that remains liquid at room temperature, but it is not suitable for cooking.
Q: Can I mix solid coconut oil with other ingredients before melting it?
A: Yes, you can mix it with other ingredients before melting it, but it may affect the consistency of the final product.
Q: Can I freeze coconut oil to prevent it from solidifying?
A: Yes, you can freeze it, but it may take longer to melt when you need to use it.
Q: Can I use it in baking recipes that call for vegetable oil?
A: Yes, you can use it in baking recipes that call for vegetable oil, but you will need to melt it first.
Q: How can I tell if my coconut oil has gone bad?
A: It can go rancid if it is exposed to air, heat, and light. If it has a foul smell or taste, it has gone bad and should not be used.
Conclusion
Overall, coconut oil usually hardens below room temperature but it can be kept in liquid form if stored properly. You can accomplish this by placing a jar of coconut oil in warm water or using leftovers from cooking as an alternative to melting the solidified coconut oil.
Additionally, you can keep smaller portions of liquid coconut oil in the refrigerator, blend it with different ingredients to create liquid mixtures and cook recipes at low temperatures. With a little bit of care and attentiveness, you can enjoy coconut oil as a liquid without it going hard.