Do You Really Need To Refrigerate Butter?
Every morning I wake up and make myself a toasted bagel with butter and avocado. Although it may taste delicious, spreading the cold, hard butter makes the experience a little less enjoyable.
I know room temperature butter is easier to spread, but I just have trouble believing that dairy can be left on the counter.
It turns out that I am wrong as the USDA listed butter as the only dairy food that is safe to keep in a power outage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Milk and butter are actually made very differently, making butter less likely to attract harmful bacteria. Butter is about 80 percent fat, which makes its water content much lower and therefore less likely to have bacteria when left out. Butter is also often made with pasteurized milk, which makes it less prone to bacteria growth.
If you buy salted butter, you can leave it out on the counter as it wards off bacteria.
If you buy unsalted butter, it is best to leave it inside the fridge.
Butter stored in a tray with a top should stay good for about a week. The key is to not expose it to oxygen or light.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Butter tray with a lid
- Refrigerator (for unsalted butter)
Ingredients
- Salted butter (for room temperature use)
- Unsalted butter (for refrigerated storage)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Determine if your butter is salted or unsalted.
- If salted, place the butter in a tray with a lid and store it on the counter.
- If unsalted, keep the butter in its packaging and store it in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the butter is not exposed to oxygen or light to maintain its quality.
Tips for Success
- Always use a clean knife to avoid contaminating the butter.
- Store butter away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Additional Tips and Variations
Consider using a butter bell to keep your butter fresh at room temperature. It creates an airtight seal using water and is perfect for spreading butter easily.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 102
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 90mg (in salted butter)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I leave unsalted butter out? No, it’s best to keep unsalted butter refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
- How long can I keep butter at room temperature? Salted butter can be safely kept out for about a week.
Conclusion
Now that you know the ins and outs of butter storage, you can enjoy spreading your butter with ease. Give it a try and see the difference a little room temperature butter can make in your breakfast routine! Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
