We reached out to the specialists to get their insights.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Annie Nguyen, M.A.
Peanut butter could very well be among the most versatile helpers in your kitchen. Spread it on bread for a quick breakfast, mix it into ice cream for an elevated late-night treat, or blend it with basic ingredients from your shelves for a luxurious sauce. Furthermore, it's high in protein, easy on the wallet, and keeps for quite some time. (Let's not forget—it tastes great as well.)
However, is it really okay to place an open jar in your pantry? This query came up for me when I discovered a jar of Skippy peanut butter inside my refrigerator at home. Growing up, we stored peanut butter in the pantry, but my spouse believed it needed to stay refrigerated. Thus, I consulted the professionals from Skippy as well as the National Peanut Board to settle this disagreement once and for all.
The main point is that peanut butter is a resilient food in multiple aspects, Markita Lewis, M.S., RD A registered dietitian from the National Peanut Board stated, "There’s no need to treat it delicately."
Is It Safe to Store Peanut Butter in the Pantry?
While peanut butter can withstand various conditions quite well, is leaving it uncovered at room temperature still considered safe? "Skippy peanut butter is completely safe when kept at room temperature," Sam Hovick The brand manager at Skippy mentioned that it’s entirely acceptable to store peanut butter in the refrigerator. Ultimately, the choice between keeping it in the pantry or fridge comes down to personal preference. For those who like their peanut butter smooth and easy to spread, storing it in the pantry works well. However, if you enjoy eating it right from the jar with a spoon, refrigerating it might be better since it tends to firm up when cold.
Lewis mentioned that the key consideration is the expiration of your peanut butter. Once opened, a jar typically remains good for around three months when kept in the pantry before losing quality. However, she pointed out that many American families consume their peanut butter more quickly than this period suggests. Storing it in the refrigerator can help prolong its freshness slightly beyond those three months.
What About Unflavored Peanut Butter?
Traditional peanut butters are designed for stability on shelves. Frequently, natural peanut butters do not include additives like hydrogenated vegetable oils, which enable regular peanut butter to remain stable at room temperature. Should your natural peanut butter be homemade, sourced from a boutique market, or consist solely of peanuts and salt, storing it in the refrigerator is advisable to preserve its freshness, longevity, and flavor.
Hovick pointed out that Skippy Natural Peanut Butter doesn’t require different storage from the rest of Skippy’s products. "Their formulation and processing help control oil separation," he clarified.
These guidelines similarly pertain to various nut butters including almond and cashew butter. Meanwhile, seed butters such as SunButter can be stored at room temperature without issue.
Storage Tips
Although both refrigerating and keeping peanut butter at room temperature are safe storage methods, consider these guidelines to maintain its flavor from when you first opened the container. When storing peanut butter outside the refrigerator, make sure it remains in a cool, dry location since high temperatures and moisture can lead to quicker spoiling. Additionally, shield it from direct light because exposure to strong sun rays may diminish its quality. An ideal choice would be a pantry closet or cupboard.
Regarding your refrigerator storage, ensure that open jars are not placed near items with potent smells, according to Lewis. Additionally, refrain from keeping jars on the door since those areas undergo the greatest changes in temperature. "The uppermost shelf usually maintains the steadiest temperature and is ideal for ready-to-consume goods such as peanut butter," she advised.
What Are Some Signs That My Peanut Butter Is Rancid?
Besides just checking the expiration or “best by” date, there are a few telltale signs your peanut butter has gone bad. The first is its odor: if it smells bitter, metallic or stale, it’s likely time to toss it. Rancid peanut butter will also be dried out or look a bit darker in color, Lewis said.
The Bottom Line
It’s safe to store conventional peanut butter in either the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Peanut butter that is stored at room temperature will be easier to spread, but keeping peanut butter in the fridge once the jar is opened can help extend its shelf life. Most natural peanut butters should always be refrigerated. If storing commercial peanut butter at room temperature, be sure to place it in a cool, dry and dark place.
Read the original article on Pawonation.com
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