How long until cooking shortening goes bad?

The shelf life of cooking shortening depends on the type and how it's stored:

Unopened shortening:

* Solid shortening (like Crisco): Up to 1 year in a cool, dry place.

* Liquid shortening (like vegetable oil): Up to 18 months in a cool, dark place.

Opened shortening:

* Solid shortening: 3-6 months in the refrigerator.

* Liquid shortening: 1-3 months in the refrigerator.

Signs of spoilage:

* Off-odor: If the shortening has a rancid or unpleasant smell.

* Changes in texture: If it becomes hard, sticky, or grainy.

* Color change: If it develops a yellow or brown tint.

Best practices for extending shelf life:

* Store in airtight containers: This helps prevent oxidation and rancidity.

* Keep in a cool, dark place: Avoid direct sunlight and heat, which can accelerate spoilage.

* Refrigerate after opening: This slows down the spoilage process.

Note: Even if shortening is within its shelf life, it's always best to check for signs of spoilage before using it. If in doubt, discard it.