Storing Turkey Fryer Oil: How Long Is Too Long?

Deep-frying a turkey is a great way to get juicy meat and crispy skin, but it can be an expensive endeavour. Fortunately, the oil used for frying a turkey can be reused several times, as long as it is properly stored. The first step is to choose the right oil – one with a high smoke point, such as peanut, corn, canola, or sunflower oil. After cooking, the oil should be cooled, strained, and filtered to remove any particles, and then stored in a covered container in a cool, dry, and dark place. Refrigeration is ideal, but most people don't have the space to store several gallons of oil in their fridge. Properly stored, the oil can last up to six months, and can be reused three to five times. However, it's important to examine the oil before each use, and if it has separated or smells bad, it should be discarded.

Used turkey fryer oil can be reused 3-5 times within six months

Once the oil is filtered, store it in a covered container in a cool, dry, and dark place. If you're not planning to use the oil within a month, it's best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Properly stored oil can last for up to six months. Before using the oil again, examine it carefully. If it has separated, thickened, become cloudy, or smells bad, it has gone rancid and needs to be discarded. If the oil looks and smells fine, you can use it again for frying, but be sure to keep the total heating time of the oil to within six hours.

It's important to note that reusing oil for frying multiple times can impart a deeper, richer flavour to your food. Additionally, always dispose of used cooking oil properly. Do not pour it down the sink, toilet, or septic system as it can clog pipes. Instead, find an oil collection point in your area or contact a rendering facility to dispose of it safely.

To reuse, filter and store in a cool, dry, dark place

To reuse your oil, you'll need to filter and store it correctly.

Firstly, you'll need to get rid of all the bits floating in the oil. You can do this by pouring the oil through a cheesecloth or a fine strainer over a funnel and back into the oil's original container. If you're dealing with a large quantity of oil, an electric oil pump will make this task easier.

Once the oil is filtered and in your storage container, you'll need to find a cool, dry, and dark place to store it. If you have the space, it's ideal to keep it refrigerated. If you won't be using the oil within a month, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

Properly stored, the oil will last up to six months. Before using it again, examine the oil. If it has separated or smells bad, it needs to be disposed of. Otherwise, you can use it again.

Remember, you need to keep the total heating time of any oil to six hours.

Refrigerate or freeze to prevent rancidity

Used turkey fryer oil can be stored and reused, but it does have a limited shelf life. To extend the lifespan of the oil, it is important to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible after use. Proper storage is key to preventing rancidity and ensuring the oil remains usable for as long as possible.

Oil rancidity is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs over time, even in unopened containers. The process is accelerated by exposure to heat, light, and air. Refrigeration or freezing helps to slow this process. When properly stored, used cooking oils like turkey fryer oil can last for several months.

To refrigerate or freeze used turkey fryer oil, start by letting the oil cool down completely. Then, pour the oil into a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass or food-grade plastic containers are ideal, but a heavy-duty freezer bag can also be used. Label the container with the date and the type of oil.

It is important to store the oil in a dark and cool location within the refrigerator or freezer. The door of a refrigerator or freezer is not ideal, as the temperature fluctuates each time the door is opened. Instead, store the oil towards the back, where the temperature is more consistent.

Signs of deterioration: foaming, darkening, smoking, rancid smell, failure to bubble

Used oil can be kept for a while, but it's important to watch out for signs of deterioration. Here are some common signs that your oil has gone bad:

Foaming

Foaming is when small air bubbles accumulate on or near the surface of the oil. It can be caused by poor-quality oil, an overloaded hydraulic system, a depleted antifouling agent, cross-mixing with an unsuitable lubricant, or too many anti-foam additives. Foaming can lead to equipment malfunctions, reduced system performance, and a shortened lifespan for hydraulic components. If you notice foaming, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

Darkening

The colour of oil naturally gets darker over time due to oxidation and thermal degradation. However, a rapid change in colour could indicate a problem. Contamination, air entrainment, oxidation, or thermal degradation can all cause the oil to darken prematurely. If you notice a significant change in colour, it's important to investigate the cause and take appropriate action.

Smoking

If your oil is smoking, it could be due to an overfill or the wrong type of oil in your engine. It could also indicate a more serious problem with your engine, such as an issue with the valves, piston rings, cylinder walls, or PVC system. Smoking oil should be addressed immediately as it could be a sign of serious engine damage.

Rancid Smell

Oil can go rancid due to the progressive oxidation of its fatty acids when they come into contact with oxygen in the air. Rancid oil will have a deteriorated odour and may smell like paints, solvents, varnishes, vinegar, overripe fruit, or mildew. It may also taste bitter. If your oil smells or tastes unpleasant, it's best to discard it.

Failure to Bubble

If your oil fails to bubble, it could be a sign of a larger issue. Oil typically bubbles due to the presence of anti-foaming additives, which are designed to prevent excessive foaming. However, if your oil is not bubbling at all, it could indicate that the additives are not working properly or that there is another issue with the oil.

Dispose of oil at a rendering facility or oil collection point

Proper disposal of used cooking oil is important. It is a challenge when you have several gallons to get rid of. The best option is to find an oil collection point or rendering facility in your area.

Collection centers and aggregation points are facilities that accept small amounts of used oil and store it until enough is collected to ship it elsewhere for recycling. Collection centers typically accept used oil from multiple sources, including both businesses and individuals. Aggregation points collect oil only from places run by the same owner or operator, as well as individuals.

The Earth 911 website can help you find deposit sites that will safely dispose of cooking oil or recycle it into biodiesel. Some places may even pay you a small amount for your contribution.

You can also call the Earth's 911 hotline (1-800-CLEANUP) to find a used oil recycling center near you. Certified Used Oil Collection Centers will take used motor oil from the public and will pay you 40 cents a gallon. Most centers will take up to five gallons at a time.

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