Waste experts have shared a surprising butter storage tip that could make it easier to use and help reduce food waste at home. Keeping butter out of the fridge, rather than chilling it, is not only perfectly safe but also considerably more convenient.
Room Temperature Butter Stays Fresh for Two Weeks
Waste experts at Wheeldon Brothers said leaving butter at room temperature, provided it's stored in a covered dish, can keep it fresh for more than two weeks. They said: "We often see people throw away butter simply because it's gone hard or they think it's spoiled when left out."
"In reality, butter is much more stable than people think, especially salted butter. Storing it on the counter, in the right conditions, makes it easier to use and reduces how often it's wasted. Because butter has a low moisture content and minimal protein or carbohydrates, it's less appealing to bacteria and mould compared to other dairy items."
How to Store Butter Safely
Leaving butter exposed or keeping it in its original wax wrapper can allow bacteria to accumulate, so it's advisable to store it in a butter dish with a lid. It's equally important to keep it away from heat sources, such as windowsills or anywhere near the oven.
If you prefer to keep butter chilled, salted butter can last one to two months in the fridge, and up to nine months in the freezer. However, storing it cold often makes it too firm to use quickly, leading many to cut off more than they need, or letting it melt wastefully on the counter.
Impact on Waste and Convenience
This simple butter storage hack could help you reduce food waste, save money, and make baking and spreading far easier. As the experts noted, small changes like this can have a big impact, making kitchens more efficient and cutting down on unnecessary waste.
