How long can I safely keep coconut oil?

[Arduinna]

I bought some years ago, and never finished the jar so I eventually tossed it even though it didn't seem rancid. Now I want to buy more, but I want to know how long it's safe to keep so that I can choose what size jar to buy.

[Panserbjorne]

I always say 2 years. That's what everyone seems to agree on-though I've never had any last that long!

[Arduinna]

Thanks. I just didn't want to buy more than I coud use up, so this helped.

[PeggyinNC]

I've heard 5 years. I have some that is a couple of years old, and is just fine. Coconut oil has the longest shelf life of all the oils, I hear. If I thought some was iffy, I would at least use it as body oil, as long as it wasn't rancid or moldy.

[Mere]

Just to follow up on the mold issue, be careful that the knife or spoon that you use to scoop out the coconut oil is totally clean or you will get mold. That is the only problem I have had; otherwise, it lasts until I use up a 2 gallon bucket (~1 year).

[Arduinna]

Good to know, thanks