Wepa Reader

Today I want to talk about something that even I struggle with in the day-to-day life in the kitchen. And that is, what to do with cooking oil after we are done using it.

I know the story is quite relevant. You had a craving for bacalaitos 🤤, and after you have eaten your fill of these majestic fritters, you realize that now you have a pot full of oil. Remorse sets in because you know you shouldn't be frying more food, even though some empanadillas would be sweet tomorrow. So, what do we do? Do we pour the oil back into the container? Do we refrigerate it? Or do we just dump it into the garbage or drain? Let’s talk it out and find solutions to our common denominator, used oil.🧐

Before moving on, I want to take a moment to give an SSA (short safety announcement). Always make sure the oil has completely cooled down before handling. Oil burns are nasty.

So, let’s cover one hidden issue that comes along with used oil. Once you are done frying, what do you do with it? I have some issues with this step because I come from the restaurant industry. At restaurants, the fryer is turned on every day, and some restaurants clean/filter the oil at least once before it is fully disposed of. And then it is dumped into a large vat, where a special truck comes to pick it up for recycling. But with that bit of background perspective in mind, I do not refrigerate my used oil (tan-tan-tan!) 😳 There was no question of what to do with your frying oil.

It was not until I decided to write this email that I learned that many sources recommend refrigerating the oil because it degrades more quickly at room temperature. Now, before you start getting too queasy on me, I only use the amount of oil I need, and I do not do real deep frying either, so I do dispose of the oil once I am done. And I do this because I, too, get all twisted with what to do with the oil. 🥴

However, I have read of freezing the oil after its initial use to extend its life, something I might try going forward, since I do not fry foods that often. Frying oil can be used about 3-4 times for breaded items and up to 8 times for non-breaded items like tostones.

Quick note on using the oil: While frying, scoop out any floating solids with a fine-mesh skimmer. The fewer particles left in the oil during frying, the slower it degrades and the easier it is to filter.

Between uses, filter your cooled oil into a clean container and refrigerate it in a sealable container-preferably one you can eventually throw away. Label and date each time you use the container. This will give you an idea of how many times and how long you have used this particular oil. Always go by the oldest date of the container; you will always have to add more oil with each use, but do not let your heart sway you into extending its life any longer just because you added a bit more oil.

So let’s say you have used the oil multiple times and notice that, after this last use, you need to dispose of it because it smells burnt, gets smoky when heated, or is just plain dark (this happens when frying wings 🤭). Here are three actions you can take for disposing of your used oil:

1. Recycle it ♻️: Depending on where you live, there might be an oil recycling facility near you. There are websites like Earth911.com and Recycling Near You that provide you with information on how and where to dispose of your cooking oil. Most facilities recommend bringing at least a gallon of oil for recycling. For Puerto Rico, there are a few organizations throughout the island, but the best course of action is to contact the municipality for more information, since some of these centers are not located in all 78 municipalities.
2. The Fire Department 🚒: Reach out to your local fire department. I know they do accept car oil and coolant; they might be able to accept or direct you to a local disposal program.
3. Throwing it in the trash 🫣🤫: Please don’t come at me as an anti-environmentalist; that is not who I am 🙏. But sometimes that is the only way to go if you do not have a recycling facility near that would receive your cooking oil. But with these techniques, there are a few ways to do this with a cleaner environmental conscience:
   1. Container 🫙: Collect the used oil in a sealable container (remember the container you are using to refrigerate it? 😉) and dispose of it with your garbage. My mom used to collect it in the freezer and dispose of the entire amount with the container.
   2. Flour or Sawdust: Add flour or sawdust in small amounts until the oil is absorbed. This creates a mass that is easier to dispose of and harder to absorb into the waterways.
   3. Kitty litter 🙀. If you have a cat, this might be the way to go. Use it as you would the flour or the sawdust.
   4. Cooking Oil Solidifier: Add a waste-disposal oil solidifier powder (try saying that three times fast! 🤣). This powder solidifies the oil as it cools. After it cools, scoop it into the trash.

Whichever method you use, do not pour oil down drains or toilets, as it clogs and hardens, eventually causing more plumbing and environmental issues in the long run. 🪠

Now that we know what to do with our oil, let's make some Chicharones de Mero!!!

Hasta entonces ✨

Zoé

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