Butter is one of the most popular products. It is used for making sandwiches, baking and frying.
In order for it to bring only benefits, it must be stored correctly.
We will talk about the terms and conditions of storage of butter below.
Content
How long can you store?
All rules and shelf life of butter are specified in GOST 32261-2013. Its shelf life directly depends on the conditions in which the product is located, the type and size of the packaging. It can range from 15 days to several months.
In cases where the product needs to be preserved for a longer period, it can be frozen.
Butter divided into 2 main categories, differing in production technology and taste:
- sour cream (the recipe contains lactic acid bacteria);
- sweet-creamy (made from cream).
Products are also divided into groups according to the percentage of fat included. It could be:
- peasant (72.5%);
- amateur (80%);
- traditional (82.5%), etc.
The category to which the oil belongs and the percentage of fat content do not affect storage conditions.
What are the conditions?
Products purchased in a store or made independently must be stored under the same conditions. The best option is to place it in the refrigerator.
At what temperature?
To prevent the butter from going to waste, it must be stored in a cool place. The air temperature should be from 0°C to +6°C.
Humidity
The place allocated for the oil should not be too damp. The optimal level is 70-90%.
Light
Requirements for storing oil include protection from direct sunlight. You should also avoid exposing the product even just to light.
Package
Reliable sealed containers are a guarantee that the contents will be protected from foreign odors. It is also important that the wrapper is neutral to the oil and does not react with it.
What is the best way to keep it?
The best option for choosing packaging is to leave the oil in the same one in which it was purchased in the store, provided that it will not be used immediately.
Oil can
A specially designed oiler is well suited for keeping in the refrigerator. It should not be transparent and have a tight-fitting lid.
Such containers will protect the contents well from the penetration of foreign odors., from chapping and contact with other products located nearby.
It is advisable to organize storage in an oil dish for no more than 20 days.
Foil
An alternative way to store the product is to wrap it in foil. The duration of detention in this case is also 20 days.
Parchment
Butter can be stored in parchment. It is recommended to fold the paper in 2 layers. The shelf life with this packaging will be 1.5 weeks. Parchment is less convenient than foil, as it tears more easily, and the product is stored worse in it.
Where to place it?
Butter has the ability to absorb odors well. Because of this feature, it is not advisable to place it near too fragrant products.
In a refrigerator
Shelf life largely depends on the size of the piece and the conditions in which it is located. The refrigerator maintains the temperature most suitable for storage. This allows you to keep the product in an oil dish or other packaging for a long time.
In the freezer
In cases where butter needs to be stored for a sufficiently long time - from a month or more, it can be frozen.
To preserve its quality and taste, it must be packaged especially carefully. In addition to the factory wrapper, you can use foil, several layers of parchment, etc.
In a freezer with a temperature of -14°C and below, the product can last 4 months. If the freezer is weaker, and the temperature in it is from -9°C to -3°C, storage cannot be longer than 2.5 months.
If you plan to organize storage in the freezer, then It is advisable to place fresh product in it that has not been sitting for a long time.
Warm, no cooling
Butter is a perishable product that should not be stored in a warm place for a long time. It just can’t lie on the table for more than a few hours.
Ghee
Ghee (ghee) is an energy-rich food product that is included in sauces and other dishes as one of the ingredients. It is prepared by reheating.
During the manufacturing process, moisture evaporates, milk sugar and protein compounds leave. Mostly milk fat remains. After heating, the product remains perishable and demanding in terms of storage conditions.
The most suitable contents are:
- availability of sealed packaging;
- air humidity – up to 90%;
- place in a cool place.
You can store ghee in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for a month, in a freezer at a temperature of -14°C to -18°C for up to 3 months. If you keep it in the freezer longer, the taste of the product will deteriorate. In sealed metal or plastic containers, the shelf life will be longer. In room conditions, melted butter will not last long, a maximum of a week in glass.
The quality of the rendered product depends on the initial state of the raw materials. If it is doubtful, then the resulting baked product will be less aromatic and will spoil faster.
How to preserve cow's milk for a long time?
For long-term storage, it is especially important that all rules are followed. Any violations will lead to the fact that the product will begin to lose its qualities and will be less healthy and tasty.
The following recommendations may be helpful:
The packaging must be secure.- Oil should not be stored open.
- A large piece stores better than a small piece.
- In the refrigerator, it is not advisable to place the product on the door, since every time you open the refrigerator, warm air from the room will enter the oil.
- After being in the freezer, the packaging must be transferred to the refrigerator shelf so that defrosting occurs gradually.
- Salt and sugar added to the main product increase shelf life.
Conclusion
High-quality natural butter is a traditional product with the taste of aromatic cream. When choosing a product, you need to pay attention to the popularity of the brand, which values its reputation. Good oil always has high-quality packaging indicating all the necessary information, including composition and storage conditions.
