Nut butters, like walnut butter, are a great source of protein and fiber. They promote feelings of satisfaction and fullness while providing important nutrients. Walnut butter is a good source of omega fatty acids, magnesium, manganese, vitamin E, and vitamin B-6, in particular.
Walnuts are a great choice for brain health at any age, and walnut butter is a simple way of getting a dose of walnuts into your diet without the annoyance of cracking walnut shells. Walnut butter can be used as a spread, dip, or ingredient in food bars, cookies, confections, soups, smoothies, entrees, oatmeal, desserts, and sandwiches. However, it is a little sensitive and can go rancid fast if you don’t store it the right way, especially if it is homemade. Here is how to keep it fresh!
How To Store Walnut Butter?
To maintain the freshness of any nut butter, it is advised to store it in the refrigerator. This is because the healthy oils in the nuts can oxidize when exposed to air, light, and heat, leading to rancidity if not stored properly. If refrigeration is unavailable, keeping nut butter in a cool, dark, and dry place below 70 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. In hot and humid climates, it is especially important to refrigerate nut butter for extended shelf life.
Always use a clean spoon when scooping from the jar to avoid any bacterial contamination. Unrefrigerated nut butter may start to turn after approximately four weeks. If unsure, check the expiration date or give it a sniff test – if anything seems off, it is best to discard it. Store-bought commercial nut butter usually includes a best-by-date and storage suggestions, making it easier to determine how long it can be stored.
Can You Freeze Walnut Butter?
Absolutely! Freezing walnut butter is totally doable. You can store it in the freezer for a solid 4 to 6 months. You can throw it directly into the freezer in its container or portion it into individual serves. To do this, simply portion the walnut butter onto a baking sheet with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then wrap each serving in cling wrap and place them into a freezer bag. For an extra layer of protection, you can also line the container with some waxed paper before freezing.
Most varieties of nut butter freeze pretty well, though there might be slight alterations in texture and oil separation. But don’t stress! Just give it a good stir or whizz in the blender before indulging.
How To Defrost Walnut Butter
For optimal nut butter defrosting, the fridge is your go-to. Simply transfer your portion from the freezer and let it chill overnight. If you’re in a hurry, placing it on the kitchen counter at room temperature will do the trick.
Keep in mind that re-freezing thawed nut butter is not ideal. Repeated freezing and thawing alters the taste and texture, compromising its quality.
How Long Does Walnut Butter Last?
According to the USDA, commercial walnut butter will last two to three months in your pantry after opening. In the fridge, that can be stretched to around six months.
If you have a natural or homemade nut butter made without preservatives, it’s prone to quicker rancidity. In this case, refrigeration is recommended after opening. By doing so, it will remain fresh anywhere from one to six months, and you won’t have to deal with oil separation that can occur at room temperature (not a big deal; just give it a good stir until smooth).
If you have unopened, store-bought walnut butter, check the expiry, as they will vary depending on the preservatives added (if there are any at all). Some brands can remain unopened for two years!
How To Know When Walnut Butter Is Rancid?
If walnut butter has gone bad, you’ll notice a rancid smell and sour or bitter taste. Storing walnut butter in a cool, dry place. To check if it’s still okay, give it a sniff and a nibble before using it.
Spoiled walnut butter is often discolored, turning gray or brown. This may be an indication that there is mold growth, and it is best to get rid of it. Some say to scoop off the mold and eat the rest, but mold spores can penetrate and often be invisible, so I never risk this. If you see any color changes, it’s safest to dispose of it.
FAQs
It depends on what nutrients you are after. Walnuts contain more heart-healthy antioxidants than certain nuts like almonds and peanuts, but almonds have more protein and calcium.
Walnut butter reigns supreme among all nut butters for its omega-3 fatty acid content. This aids in lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and boosting HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
Usually, it is just made with blended walnuts! Some supermarket brands have added ingredients like palm oil, honey, and salt to their nut butters. It’s best to read the label to know exactly what is in your walnut butter.
Yes, you can eat walnut butter daily, but in moderation. While there are a lot of healthy nutrients, it is high fat and high calorie. Also, be sure to read the nutrition label, as some brands contain added ingredients that are not ideal. Moderation is key!
Walnut butter would be the healthier choice as it is lower in saturated fat and contains omega 3. Peanuts are higher in protein, though!
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