We all love our peanut butter, don’t we? It’s the perfect snack, spread, or ingredient for any dish. But when it comes to storing it, things can get a little confusing. Should you put it in the fridge or not? We dug deep to find out the truth.
First, let’s clear up some misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, not all peanut butter needs to be refrigerated. If you have a processed brand, which includes stabilizers like palm oil and hydrogenated oils, it can last for two to three months in a cool, dry cupboard. However, once opened, it’s recommended to store the jar in the fridge to extend its shelf life by another three to four months.
But what about all-natural peanut butter? These are the ones made with just ground peanuts and salt, and they can go rancid very quickly. The oils in the nuts can turn bad in a matter of weeks, so it’s best to store them in the fridge after opening. If you’re not a fan of cold peanut butter, you can keep it in a cool, dry place, but be sure to finish it within a few weeks and never double-dip or use a jelly-smeared knife.
Now, what about peanuts themselves? If you have shelled or unshelled peanuts, they can last in a bag or sealed container for a month or two. But because nuts have a high oil content, they tend to go rancid quicker if they’re not kept cool. To extend their shelf life to four to six months, store them in the fridge. And if you want to keep them even longer, freeze them in a glass container and take out small amounts as needed.
So, there you have it. The truth about storing peanut butter and peanuts. Remember, it’s all about keeping them cool and dry to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. Now go enjoy that delicious peanut butter sandwich without any worries!
Sources
https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/articles/does-peanut-butter-go-fridge
https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/wellness/how-long-will-that-peanut-butter-last.htm
