How to Determine If Linseed Oil Is Rancid

Linseed, or flax seed, oil is an important supplement to take, offering omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The greatest amount of these essential nutrients is found in the natural linseed. Unfortunately, ingesting linseed in its purest form is indigestible. The entire seed generally ends up in the gastrointestinal system, rather than digesting. However, removing the nutrient-rich interior of the linseed is also not the answer. The interior oil breaks down and quickly becomes rancid. Ingesting rancid linseed oil is dangerous, so it is important to know how to detect rancid linseed oil.

Instructions

• 1

  Smell the linseed oil. Linseed oil will take on a smell similar to that of a skunk when it has become rancid. This is the quickest and easiest way to determine if linseed oil has gone bad.

• 2

  Check the temperature of the linseed oil. You do not need to use a thermometer. Feel the oil and judge if it is at room temperature. Keeping the linseed oil in the refrigerator will slow the spoiling process. If the linseed oil has become room temperature, it has likely gone rancid or will go bad shortly.

• 3

  Check the expiration date. If you have purchased a bottle of linseed oil for use in cooking, the bottle will carry an expiration date. Unlike many other foods with expiration dates, linseed oil expires rather quickly. The expiration date on the bottle should not be ignored in this case. Discard any oil that is past its expiration date.