540 peanuts go into a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter. Or at least, that is what The National Peanut Board says. (did you know we had a national peanut butter board? This was news to me!) It seems a lot, but the FDA has regulated that any product labeled as peanut butter has to be at least 90% actual peanuts. And this is great! It leaves less room for fillers and other junk that isn’t needed. Just be careful – If labeled as “peanut spread,” it may not be primarily peanuts!
The average individual consumes almost 3000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches during their lifetime. I am a bit behind because I didn’t have my first one until I was 34, but I am trying to catch up. It might be to do with the fact that the average European consumes less than a tablespoon of peanut butter in a year, and the average American devours approximately 3 pounds annually— totally because of the sandwiches, is my guess!
Peanut butter is such a beloved spread. That is, when it spreads properly, which is usually straight from the pantry. But is that the best place to store it? Let’s check.
How To Store Peanut Butter?
While refrigeration is not necessary, it is actually the best place to store your PB! Cold temperatures can help prolong its shelf life. If refrigeration is not your preference, aim to keep the peanut butter in a cool and dark place, such as the pantry, but ensure it is well away from heat and sunlight, as peanuts can go rancid. If your peanut butter is homemade, it 100% should be in the fridge, as it does not contain preservatives that extend shelf life.
Some other tips include:
- Remove the peanut butter jar from the refrigerator 20 minutes before consuming so that it can soften and become spreadable.
- Tightly close the jar of peanut butter after each use. Exposing the peanut butter to air for extended periods can cause it to go rancid faster.
- Use clean utensils when handling peanut butter. Reusing dirty utensils or introducing them to the jar can contaminate the peanut butter with unwanted bacteria, leading to spoilage.
- It’s best to store powdered peanut butter in a cool, dry, dark place. However, if you have mixed the powdered form with water, store it in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter?
All kinds of nut butter, including peanut, can indeed be successfully frozen without compromising its flavor. However, it is essential to note that freezing may cause a slight change in texture, with some brands and varieties becoming thicker and less creamy. But fear not! A thorough stirring should quickly restore its initial smooth consistency.
To freeze peanut butter into PB&J-sized portions, simply:
● Scoop mounds of peanut butter onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.
● Place the tray in the freezer for about an hour until the mounds are frozen solid.
● Remove and place each mound into a sealed plastic bag or airtight container.
How To Defrost Peanut Butter
For thawing peanut butter, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can expedite the thawing process by leaving it at room temperature for approximately 20-30 minutes. If it separates during thawing, a brief stir will restore its original consistency.
How Long Does Peanut Butter Last?
Peanut butter, when compared to other spreads, has an impressively long shelf life. This can be attributed to its high fat and relatively low moisture content, meaning it has an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth. However, it can taste funny before it gets to the point of rancid, especially if it has been in a hot and sunny place.
The manufacturing process plays a significant role in determining the shelf life of peanut butter. Most commercial brands utilize stabilizers like hydrogenated vegetable oils or palm oil and preservatives such as sodium benzoate. These stabilizers prevent oil separation and enhance the texture and appearance. Unopened commercial peanut butters can last between 6 and 24 months when stored in the pantry, while opened jars may remain fresh for 2 to 3 months. Refrigerating the product can further extend its shelf life.
Natural or homemade peanut butters, which must contain at least 90% peanuts, have a shorter shelf life due to the absence of preservatives and stabilizers. Generally, natural peanut butters without stabilizers can last several months when unopened or up to a month once opened when stored in the pantry. When stored in the refrigerator, unopened natural peanut butter can maintain its freshness for up to a year, while opened jars may last between 3 and 4 months. To preserve the freshness of many natural peanut butter products that only contain peanuts and salt, it is recommended to refrigerate them after opening.
How To Know When Peanut Butter Is Rancid?
Most peanut butters have best-by dates, but these labels do not guarantee the product’s safety nor its true expiry. To determine if your peanut butter has gone bad, rely on your senses. Fresh peanut butter is usually soft and creamy, while spoiled peanut butter may become hard and dry. It may also change from its usual light color to a dark brown. It is likely spoiled if it smells sharp or soapy instead of creamy or butty. If you cannot tell by smell, taste it. Rancid peanut butter tastes bitter or sour.
If you notice any signs of black or green mold or furry white spots, it is best to discard the entire jar rather than simply scooping out the spoiled parts, as mold spores may have penetrated the rest.
One thing to remember is that natural peanut butters without stabilizer ingredients may experience oil separation. This is normal and not an indication that the peanut butter has gone bad.
FAQs
Consuming peanut butter in moderation is okay, though healthier nut butters are available. Excessive intake may lead to weight gain due to its calorie and fat content. Be particularly cautious with store-bought brands, as they often contain additional sugars, oils, and fats.
There are around 188 calories in 2 spoons of peanut butter.
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