So, you’ve just bought a fresh tin of VRK Wood-Pressed Oil. It smells amazing, it’s full of nutrients, and it’s pure. But because this oil is 100% natural and has zero chemicals or preservatives, you need to treat it with a little extra love.
If you store it the wrong way, the light, heat, and air can take away that beautiful smell and health benefit. Here is how to keep your VRK oil as fresh as the day it was pressed!
1. Keep it in the Tin (Say No to Plastic!)
You’ll notice VRK Naturals always comes in a tin. There is a big reason for this! Sunlight and bright kitchen lights are the enemies of natural oil. Light causes oxidation, which makes the oil go bad and lose its vitamins.
- The Rule: Keep your oil in the original tin. If you must move it to a smaller bottle for daily use, use a dark glass bottle or a stainless steel container. Avoid clear plastic bottles!
2. Find a Cool, Dark Corner
Heat is the second enemy. If you keep your oil bottle right next to your gas stove, the constant heat will break down the healthy fats.
- The Rule: Store your main tin in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove, oven, or direct sunlight.
3. Close the Lid Tight (Keep the Air Out)
Oxygen makes oil turn rancid (that means it starts to smell sour or metallic). Every time you leave the lid open, the air gets in and starts damaging the oil.
- The Rule: Always snap the lid shut immediately after pouring. A tight seal keeps the natural aroma of the copra or groundnut trapped inside.
4. Use a Dry Spoon
Water is the fastest way to spoil wood-pressed oil. If even a few drops of water get into your tin, mold or bacteria can start to grow because there are no chemicals to stop them.
- The Rule: Never use a wet spoon or pour oil into a wet container. Make sure everything is bone-dry.
5. Buy What You Need
Because our oil is fresh and raw, it doesn’t have a 2-year shelf life like factory oils. It is at its best for 6 to 9 months.
- The Rule: It’s better to buy fresh tins every few months rather than stocking up for a whole year. Fresh is always better for the VRK Diet!
| What to DO (The Good Stuff) | What NOT to DO (The Bad Stuff) |
| Keep it in the original tin. Tins block all light and keep the oil cool and fresh. | Don’t use plastic bottles. Plastic can leak chemicals into your pure oil over time. |
| Store in a dark, bottom cupboard. This is the coolest part of your kitchen. | Don’t keep it near the stove. Heat from cooking ruins the healthy fats very fast. |
| Use a bone-dry spoon. Even one drop of water can make your oil spoil or grow mold. | Don’t leave the lid open. Air makes the oil turn sour (rancid) and lose its smell. |
| Check the Pressing Date. Use your oil within 6–9 months for the best nutrition. | Don’t store it in direct sunlight. Sun is the #1 enemy of natural, wood-pressed oils. |
| Transfer to dark glass for daily use. If the tin is too heavy, use a dark-colored glass bottle. | Don’t buy too much at once. It’s better to buy fresh tins every few months. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I store my wood-pressed oil in the fridge?
Yes, you can! For oils like Coconut Oil, they will become solid, but they will stay fresh for a very long time. Just don’t put it in the freezer.
- My oil has some sediment at the bottom. Is it spoiled?
No! Those are just tiny bits of the seed or nut. Since we don’t use heavy chemical filters, some natural fiber settles at the bottom. It is perfectly safe.
- How do I know if my oil has gone bad?
Trust your nose. If the sweet, nutty smell changes to a sour, bitter, or plastic-like smell, the oil has likely oxidized.
- Why does VRK use tins instead of glass?
Glass is good, but it can break easily and let in light. Tins are 100% light-proof, stronger for shipping, and better for keeping the oil cool.
- Can I reuse the old tin for new oil?
It is better to use a fresh tin. If you do reuse a container, it must be washed thoroughly and dried completely in the sun to remove every bit of moisture.
- Does the oil’s quality change if it freezes and melts?
Not at all. For Coconut oil, moving from solid to liquid and back again is a natural process and does not hurt the nutrition.
- Should I keep the oil in the kitchen or a pantry?
A pantry or a low cupboard is best. Avoid high shelves where the rising heat from cooking usually gathers.
- Is it okay to keep the oil in a plastic dispenser for daily use?
We don’t recommend it. Over time, the oil can react with the plastic. Stainless steel or dark glass dispensers are much healthier choices.
- What happens if I leave the lid off overnight?
One night won’t ruin it, but if you do it often, the oil will lose its fresh smell and some of its antioxidant power.
- Why is wood-pressed oil more sensitive than refined oil?
Refined oil is dead it has been processed so much that nothing can really live in it. Wood-pressed oil is alive with nutrients, which makes it healthier but also means it needs a little more care!