Butter is a beloved ingredient that adds richness to everything from cakes to steaks, but storing it can be tricky. During warm weather, it melts into a greasy mess on the counter, while refrigeration turns it rock-hard. Award-winning food expert Jerry James Stone has practical advice on how to store butter at room temperature safely for up to two to three weeks.
Pasteurised Butter Is Essential
Although the US Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigeration, Stone says room-temperature storage is fine with precautions. In a recent YouTube video, he explains: "You can store butter at room temperature. There's just a few little gotchas to be on the lookout for."
The first crucial point is to ensure the butter is pasteurised. "Raw butter is not common, so for the most part, you probably have pasteurised butter, but do not store raw butter at room temperature, that's really, really important," Stone warns.
Salted Butter Fights Spoilage
Stone's second tip is to use salted butter. "The salt will actually help fight off the bad things that could happen to the butter that's not refrigerated," he says. While unsalted butter can be kept at room temperature, salted pasteurised butter is the preferred option for everyday use.
Airtight, Opaque Container Is Key
Butter stored at room temperature can quickly turn rancid. To prevent that, Stone advises storing it in a container that is both airtight and opaque. "You want a dark container that's airtight," he says, stressing that you should not buy a butter dish that lets light in.
Keep It Cool and Clean
"Room temperature" varies. Stone recommends storing butter in a kitchen that is not too warm. "Anything above 70°F (about 21°C) you're probably better off storing the butter in the fridge," he notes. In a reasonably cool kitchen, butter should stay fresh for two to three weeks.
Another key rule: always use a clean utensil. "Don't grab some butter with a knife, butter that toast and then go and stick that same knife back into the butter," Stone says. "Just take whatever you need using a clean utensil every single time."
Use Common Sense
Stone's final advice is simple: "Does it smell off? Does it taste off? If you have any doubt, throw it out." By following these guidelines, you can enjoy spreadable butter without compromising safety.
