How to Choose Peanut Butter

For nearly half a century, peanut products have been a daily part of the diet for both adults and children in America and Europe, due to their high nutritional value and beneficial properties. In Georgia, it hasn't been long since it became popular, although the properties of peanut butter and its taste were quickly appreciated by Georgian consumers. Today, peanut butter is eaten in sandwiches, with fruits, used in pastries... but many may not know how and under what conditions peanut butter should be stored.

Peanut butter is made as follows:

Peanut kernels are freed from their rough shells, roasted until golden, then ground very finely and brought to a creamy consistency. A quality final product should be light brown (verging on yellowish) and have the aroma of roasted peanuts. It should be uniform, with a delicate consistency, without any large fractions or particles.

The presence of any other type of fat in the product's composition is unacceptable. Therefore, before purchasing, always pay attention to the information provided by the manufacturer on the label to see if the peanut butter is free of additives.

Peanut butter with cocoa powder added is a darker brown. If the composition lists only peanuts, it should not have a dark color.

If peanut butter is made with natural honey, which is a traditional American recipe, it also has a light brown color and is an excellent snack for people who love natural sweets.

Also, if you decide to buy peanut butter, check the production date and expiration date to avoid getting an expired product.

Storage Conditions for Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is packaged in a tightly sealed glass jar.

Before opening the jar, you can safely store the product without refrigeration. The shelf life of peanut butter directly depends on the storage conditions. For example, when stored in a cool, dark place, peanut butter will retain its beneficial properties for one year, while exposure to light and heat will significantly shorten this period.

After you open a jar of peanut butter, you can still store it without refrigeration, but after each use, the lid should be closed as tightly as possible.

The structure of the product stored at room temperature differs from that of the product stored in the refrigerator. At room temperature, peanut butter softens, while in the refrigerator, at low temperatures, it hardens more.

Low storage temperatures increase the product's shelf life. Storing it in the cold will better preserve the beneficial properties of peanut butter (peanuts contain antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, proteins, polyunsaturated fats).

When peanut butter is stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius, its shelf life is reduced to 3 months.

More Specifically About Peanut Butter Shelf Life

Information on how long peanut butter can be stored at what temperature is indicated on the product packaging.

Generally, the shelf life of peanut butter is 12 months, and the period starts from the date of manufacture of the product (if the jar is unopened). After opening the jar, the shelf life of peanut butter is 3 months.

Throughout the period for which the manufacturer guarantees storage, the composition of peanut butter does not change. The product retains both its beneficial and taste properties, as well as its nutritional value.

How to Store Homemade Peanut Butter

Making peanut butter at home may seem simple at first glance, but you need to ensure that technological processes are followed as closely as possible to maintain the product's beneficial properties.

To store homemade peanut butter, you will need glass jars and tight-fitting lids. The jars should not have even a minor crack, and the lids should be clean from rust and scratches. Glass jars must be sterilized and thoroughly dried beforehand.

The jar should be completely filled with peanut butter to leave no room for air, and then the lid should be hermetically sealed. Homemade peanut butter must be stored in the cold, and its shelf life is 1 week.

Can peanut butter be used if it develops a layer of "oil" on top during storage?

This often happens and poses no danger to either the product or the person who eats it. If the expiration date has not passed and the product has been stored under proper conditions, simply stir it carefully in the jar, and you can use it as usual.

In Conclusion

As you can see, storing naturally made, factory-produced peanut butter is not difficult. So, consider the contraindications of peanut butter, which you can read about in our blog, and then enjoy the first Georgian natural peanut butter – enjoy and be healthy.