What has happened to this oil?

Question

I recently purchased some sun-dried tomatoes in oil. However a few days in the fridge and they look like this despite being unopened.

I regularly buy these tomatoes and store them in the same way. Can anyone suggest what might have happened?

score 8 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 20 '19 at 18:47

8

Oil solidifies at cold temperature.

In the case of olive oil, it does so at 37F.

It takes a few minutes to get back to liquid state, either by leaving it on the counter or putting the jar in warm water.

answered Nov 20 '19 at 18:47

Max

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So my fridge is just too cold! – James Webster Nov 20 '19 at 18:48
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not necessarily; it should be below 40F (https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely) – Max Nov 20 '19 at 18:50
In which case it looks like it’s too warm normally! Either way it’s the wrong temperature for this oil. – James Webster Nov 20 '19 at 18:53
Temp and time required for olive oil to go solid varies from batch to batch. The stuff should liquefy again if you warm it gently. – Wayfaring Stranger Nov 20 '19 at 23:13
@Max 40F **or below** – Rob Nov 21 '19 at 12:14
This just happened to me and surprised me too. Canola does not solidify in the fridge. Sunflower does just a little bit. Olive totally solidified and I had to run the bottle under hot water to pour it out. – Willk Nov 23 '19 at 02:16

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 21 '19 at 06:39

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Had they been packaged in coconut oil it could look like that just by sitting in an air conditioned room as it solidifies at a steamy 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

answered Nov 21 '19 at 06:39

Nicholas B Scott

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Have you ever seen tomatoes packed in coconut oil? – Sneftel Nov 21 '19 at 09:42

What has happened to this oil?

2 Answers2