LAUSR

Crude palm oil (CPO), refined palm oil (RPO), refined palm olein (RPOL) and refined palm stearin (RPS) were stored in three conditions: kept away in dark (at 20-25 °C, acclimatized environment); in a refrigerator (4-8 °C); and at room temperature (26-32 °C), exposed to natural light. Free fatty acids (FFA; %), peroxide value (meq O2/kg), induction period (h), total carotenoids (ppm) and color measurements (CIELab) were analyzed to determine stability of oils every months until 12 months. All of the crude/refined initial oils were of good quality, except for one sample of CPO. Storage at 26-32 °C and exposure to light intensified the oxidative reactions. The estimated shelf life of CPO, RPO, RPOL and RPS, when stored at 20-25 °C and in the dark, would be approximately 6, 9, 9 and 12 months, respectively. The best quality oils was found stored at 4-8 °C when compared to those stored in other storage conditions.   Practical Application: The study has an influence for practice of the storage, a storage time and conditions, in addition to discuss to most important criteria to get quality products. Palm oil is widely used due to its high stability and considering the cultural and public health importance of consuming.