How to Store Butter and How to Reuse it If It Has Expired

A fundamental ingredient for sweet and savory recipes, a food often underestimated and even demonized, butter is an ancient product, appreciated already in the time of the Greeks and Romans. Obtained from the processing of cream, an undisputed symbol of French tradition, butter in the U.S. is used above all in the Southern areas, outside the olive-growing tradition. It is a dairy product rich in fat and low in liquids, characteristics that make it difficult to perish as long as it is stored correctly. Here's how to best store it and how to reuse it once it has expired in a creative way.

How to Store Butter

Butter should be stored in the refrigerator, but as we will see, this custom does not exist everywhere: in some countries with cold climates it is customary to store it at room temperature. However, due to the climate and environmental conditions of our specific context, we recommend that you put it in the refrigerator anyway.

In the Refrigerator

The best way to store butter while preserving its flavor, properties, and safety is to store it in the refrigerator. The original packaging of butter, often in waxed paper, is already designed to preserve it, but if you prefer, you can transfer the butter to an airtight glass or plastic container: the purpose is to prevent the butter from oxidizing, so make sure the container is tightly closed to prevent the butter from absorbing refrigerator odors. You can also wrap the butter in cling film to protect it from air and odors.

Contrary to what many people think, the best place to store it is in the central area, where the temperature is around 39.2°F/4°C: therefore, it is not the door, subject to too many temperature changes, nor even at the top, a too hot part. In these conditions, butter can be preserved for 1-2 months, depending on the expiration date.

Out of The Fridge

Traditionally, in many cultures, butter was stored at room temperature, especially in colder areas. In the United States for example, it is customary, especially in the northern states. However, we do not recommend doing this, for several reasons:

• The ideal temperature for storing butter outside the refrigerator is around 60.8°F/16°C, which is too low for a home, even in winter. Higher temperatures can cause butter to go rancid more quickly.
• Humidity is a very important factor: the environment must be cool and dry to avoid the formation of mold.
• Shelf life: Butter can be stored outside the refrigerator for approximately 2-3 days, but shelf life may vary depending on room temperature and the quality of the butter.
• Salt content: Salted butter generally keeps longer than sweet butter.

Having said these considerations, we always recommend storing it in the fridge, also to avoid it going rancid quickly and therefore wasting it.

Can Butter Be Frozen?

Butter can be frozen without any problems: it is a great way to preserve it for a long time and always have it available when you need it. To do this, cut the butter into smaller portions, for example into cubes or sticks: this will allow you to defrost only the amount you need, avoiding waste.

Wrap each portion individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, which will prevent the butter from absorbing freezer odors and make it easier to thaw. Place the wrapped portions of butter in an airtight container or freezer bag and mark the packaging with the freezing date to keep track of the freshness of the product. Thawed butter can be used like fresh butter, both for cooking and for spreading on bread. Avoid refreezing already thawed butter, for safety reasons, and choose a good quality butter: if stored correctly in the freezer, it can last up to 6-8 months.

How to Reuse Butter When it Has Expired

Even if butter has passed its expiration date, it doesn't necessarily have to end up in the garbage. With a little creativity, you can find different uses for this food, especially for household chores.

• Stain Removal. Butter is an excellent natural stain remover: you can use it to remove grease, ink or tar stains from fabrics and surfaces. Gently rub the butter on the stain and leave it to act for a few hours before washing normally.
• Nourish your skin. Butter can be used as a natural emollient for dry, chapped skin: massage a small amount of butter into your skin, especially on drier areas like elbows and knees.
• Polishing leather. Butter can be used to polish and nourish leather items, such as shoes or bags.
• Lubricate. A little butter can be useful for lubricating rusty hinges or other metal mechanisms.