Unsalted butter has a shelf life of about 3 months, while salted butter can be stored for up to about 5 months. However, depending on storage conditions before and after purchase, butter can spoil prematurely, giving your food and baked goods a rancid taste. Here's how to test its freshness.
Steps
Step 1. Check the expiration date on the package
This should be the first indicator of the freshness of the butter. As the expiration date approaches or passes, the butter tends to be less fresh.
Step 2. Check how the butter has been stored
The butter should not be exposed to light during storage. For this reason it is completely wrapped in its packaging and it is advisable to keep it in aluminum foil. If it had been discarded, it could have gone rancid before it reached its expiration date.
Step 3. Cut a small slice of butter from the stick
Observe the color. If the inside is the same as the outside, it means that the butter is still fresh. If the inner part of the butter is lighter than the outer one, it means that an oxidation process has taken place. Therefore, the butter is no longer fresh.
Step 4. Smell the butter
Some people do it better than others; if you are among those who use and consume large quantities of butter, it will probably become obvious to you when the butter stops having a pleasant appearance and smell.
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Even a little taste test can reveal a lot of information; a butter that has lost its freshness is bad or sour.
Test the Freshness of Butter Step 4Bullet1
Advice
- Instead of storing it for a long time, buy butter more often. It is always best to use as fresh butter as possible. Buy small packs if you only use it infrequently.
- The life of the butter can be extended by freezing it. However, thawed butter is not suitable for the preparation of baked goods, as it can release moisture.
- Always keep the butter well wrapped. It must not be exposed to air or light. Use its original packaging or aluminum foil.
- These rules are applicable to any animal butter, for example from cow or goat.
