Butter is a staple in many kitchens, but even the most seasoned cooks may have doubts about this nutty dairy fat.
The question of whether or not butter spoils is a common one. Yes! Is refrigeration required? Ideally. When will butter go bad if left out in the open? Well, that's a good question.
What follows are comprehensive guidelines for preserving butter.
Should butter be refrigerated? If you require softened butter for creaming with sugar, spreading on toast, or whipping into fluffy buttercream frosting, you may opt to leave it out on the counter forever to preserve it at that beautiful, spreadable consistency rather than bringing it to room temperature.
But, to extend its shelf life, you should store your butter in the refrigerator, away from heat and light.
Butter may be stored for up to three months in a standard refrigerator.
How long will butter last if it's not refrigerated? In most cases, butter has a lengthy shelf life and may be left out for a few days before getting rancid (salted butter will keep longer than unsalted butter because the salt acts as a preservative). Butter's shelf life at room temperature varies depending on factors such as exposure to heat and light and whether or not it is sealed.
In general, butter should be stored at room temperature, however if you live in a warm climate or your house tends to get hot, you can use an alternative: Keeping butter in a ceramic crock; it helps it last way longer because of the utensil’s ability to keep the butter cold and dry.
Ghee may be stored for up to three months at room temperature and one year in the refrigerator if kept in an airtight container. Ghee lasts far longer than butter because the milk particles are squeezed out during the production process. However, ghee will still spoil eventually because it is a dairy product.
What are the telltale signs of spoiled butter? The oxidation of fat, for the record, causes rancidity. Conditions such as direct sunshine, the presence of butter-loving bacteria, and contact with metals (such as a butter knife) all hasten this transformation. The longer it sits out in the open, the more quickly it will spoil.
Storing butter properly Keep butter in a sealed container or airtight container, regardless of whether it will be kept at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. Butter should be kept in the coldest area of the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and taste. Even while it may be convenient to keep your butter on the fridge door, experts recommend against it since the temperature there may be lesser than elsewhere in your fridge.
