Does Hemp Seed Oil Need to Be Refrigerated?

Hemp seed oil is a great choice for anyone who wants to consume omega-3 fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, iron, and zinc, essential for the body’s metabolism. So, if you love hemp seed oil or want to start using it more often, then you should know whether to refrigerate the oil or not. Read on to find out!

What is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil refers to the cold-pressed seed oil extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. The raw material undergoes various procedures such as pressing, extracting, and refining. It is a white or light yellowish semi-solid substance with a mild nutty flavor and no odor. Note that it contains unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid 35%-50%, linoleic acid 55% -65%), so it can go rancid when stored for a long-term period at room temperature.

Does Hemp Seed Oil Need to Be Refrigerated?

Hemp seed oil doesn’t need to be stored in a refrigerator due to its long shelf life. However, you can refrigerate it if you want to keep your hemp seed oils fresh and have them last longer. Whether or not you decide to store yours in the fridge depends on personal preference as well as how much time you spend traveling from one place to another without stopping at home first. You can also keep them in a cool place with low humidity or add one part of refined beeswax to 40 parts of hemp seed oil to prevent it from becoming rancid.

Tips for Preserving Hemp Oil at Home

To preserve the quality of the hemp oil at home, you can store it in an airtight container within a refrigerator to prevent oxidation. You should purchase small amounts and use them within three months after opening. 

The shelf life will vary depending on how well the product has been stored. It is recommended that refrigerated oils be used up within two months or frozen for longer storage. If kept under proper conditions, unopened hemp seed oil may last for over two years.

There are two types of Hemp Seed Oils: RSHO (Refined) & RSHO (Virgin).

RSHO (Refined)

The RSHO is pre-pressed and mildly refined by the manufacturer. They are routinely made from hemp seed that has been cleaned of all foreign material and pasteurized before pressing. Since they have been refined, these oils contain no detectable amounts of THC acid or CBD.

These oils can go rancid quickly once exposed to light, so it is best to store them in a cool, dark place to ensure freshness. Refined oil also tends to turn more clear than virgin oil on refrigeration. This lack of color change is an indication that the product was not subjected to high pressure during the refining process and therefore contains less natural antioxidants.

You should never store the pre-pressed hemp seed oil in glass because it will react with the oil’s acidity and break down. It would be best to store it in an airtight container to prevent oxidation but not plastic because plastic is porous.

RSHO(Virgin)

RSHO (Virgin) is a non-refined, unprocessed hemp seed oil that has been extracted from raw seeds using cold pressing methods. Due to their high chlorophyll content, they do not have to go through any heat treatment, so they will always remain slightly yellow or green colored. 

Their color is a great indicator of freshness and quality. Once refrigerated, RSHO tends to turn clearer than refined oil since it contains higher natural carotenoids and polyphenols, which act as natural antioxidants. It also retains its greenish hue under refrigeration.

The cold-pressed hemp seed oil isn’t processed, thus contains trace amounts of THC-acid and CBD. It is ideal for those folks who prefer to take their supplements as close to organic as possible. RSHO also tends to remain fresher longer than refined oils because they are less exposed to light and oxygen when packaged in dark containers. They also retain more of their natural antioxidants compared with cold-pressed or pre-pressed oils that have been exposed to air during processing.

Importance of Hemp Seed Oil 

Hemp seed oil is one of the most nutrient-dense foods. It contains vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other healthy substances vital to good health. These two components are critical for your immune system and reducing inflammation in your body.

• Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Hemp seed oil helps combat inflammation. It is very beneficial in fighting acne because it eliminates excess sebum and oils and prevents the skin from becoming oily. The omega-6 lipids contained in hemp seeds contain many healing properties. One of them is anti-inflammation; this is why they are commonly used to fight joint diseases like arthritis and osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which cause severe pain for sufferers.

• Helps Control Diabetes 

The great thing about hemp seed oil is that it’s a source of healthy fats without all the added sugar content found in other fat sources. It’s been shown to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, the two main signs of diabetes.

• Reduces Chronic Pain 

Experts have found that hemp seed oil can treat arthritis, joint pain, and other chronic pain conditions. Studies suggest that hemp seed oil may be as effective as opium-based pain relievers without the addictive elements of the latter.

• Fights Cancer

Evidence strongly suggests that consuming hemp seeds or purified extracts (especially CBD) may inhibit tumor growth by causing cell death in tumors and cancer cells. The fact is that both types of cannabinoids, THC, and CBD, have been proven to inhibit tumor growth when consumed together in the form of an isolated oil.

• Helps Grow Hair Faster

Hemp seed oil is good for hair care, and it can be used as a natural moisturizer. It contains essential fatty acids that promote healing and decelerate the scalp’s ageing process, thereby promoting faster hair growth. It is also packed with Vitamin E, which helps improve circulation to the scalp area, so nutrients are better delivered. Some people use it as a leave-in conditioner.

The Bottom Line

Hemp seed oil is a versatile and healthy cooking ingredient used for everything from salad dressing to sautéing. However, it’s also important to know when to refrigerate hemp seed oil, so you don’t lose any of its health benefits or spoil your food. Suppose you’re not sure whether or not this type of oil needs to be stored in the fridge. Contact experts today if you need some extra help with storing hemp seed oils in your kitchen.