My grandmother just sent me a large carton of her homegrown peanuts. I wanted to get a little creative with these in savory dishes, but I’m also contemplating about making the half of it into peanut butter. Will peanut butter do best in the freezer? Or should I just keep it in the pantry?
Peanut butter is indeed a versatile food. You may incorporate it in cooked dishes, sandwich fillings or include it one’s diet for its high-energy, monounsaturated fat content.
Peanut butter may not have to be frozen because of its low moisture level and high oil content. You can store it unopened in a cool, dry place all year long. For safe consumption, homemade peanut must always be stored in the fridge and consumed within at least 5 to 6 months.
Can You Freeze Peanut Butter
Freezing is completely unnecessary with peanut butter because essentially, it has a longer shelf life even in room temperature. There won’t be much problem with quality and taste if you freeze it either.
Although it appears moist and slick, peanut butter has water content of only 2%. This, along with the fact that it is mostly oil and fat, is the reason why it doesn’t spoil quickly.
The only thing is that over time, the oil goes rancid because of oxidation. That is why it is usually recommended to store peanut butter in a constant low temperature.
An opened jar of store-bought peanut butter and its leftover may last in the pantry for up to 3 months.
Two to three months is also the average life span of an unopened homemade peanut butter kept in room temperature.
If you freeze your peanut butter, you may serve it frozen for a crunchy texture or allow it to thaw completely in any ambient temperature.
How to Preserve Peanut Butter
Whether you like a frozen peanut butter or one with a soft and moist texture, you won’t go wrong with either as long as you observe proper storage practices. Here are great tips for keeping your peanut butter longer:
- Large peanuts in homemade peanut butter must be completely crushed until smooth to make it last longer
- Commercially-processed peanut butter should be kept in its original container
- Homemade peanut butter must be contained in an airtight jar and sealed tightly after every use
- Scoop out the peanut butter with a clean, unused utensil to avoid any risk of cross-contamination
- Natural peanut butter must be stored in the refrigerator at all times to prevent spoilage (Because they lack the preservatives and advanced processes against bacteria growth and quick spoilage)
- You may store it in the fridge upside down so you won’t need to stir it up again whenever the oil separates from the butter
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is a delicious and versatile food that can be used in a variety of ways. But what do you do when you have extra peanut butter? Here are five delicious ways to use up your leftover peanut butter:
- Make a PB&J sandwich – This classic sandwich is a great way to use up extra peanut butter. Just spread some peanut butter on bread, add some jelly, and you’re good to go.
- Make a peanut butter and banana sandwich – This tasty sandwich is similar to a PB&J, but with the addition of bananas. Simply spread peanut butter on bread, add sliced bananas, and enjoy!
- Make homemade peanut butter cups – Peanut butter cups are a delicious treat that you can easily make at home. Just combine peanut butter, chocolate, and a little bit of oil in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Once the mixture is melted, spoon into cupcake liners and let cool.
- Make a peanut butter and honey sandwich – This sandwich is a great way to use up extra peanut butter and honey. Simply spread peanut butter on bread, add some honey, and you’re good to go.
- Use it as a dip – Peanut butter can also be used as a dip for fruits or vegetables. Just add some water to thin it out, and you’ll have a tasty and healthy dip that everyone will love.
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover peanut butter. Next time you find yourself with extra peanut butter, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Peanut Butter Recipes
Delight in the combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. This recipe requires no baking and it takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
Quick and easy to make, this Peanut Butter Noodle is coated with succulent peanut butter sauce and garnished with spices for an invigorating, tangy flavor.
This Peanut Soup with Beef is how groundnut soup is prepared African-style. The proper measurements and timing bring out the beef’s flavor without an overwhelming nutty taste.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze peanut butter. Freezing peanut butter will make its shelf life longer which means it can be stored in your freezer for 12-18 months. Here is how to do it: Make sure all the air is removed from the container before closing it tightly. Date it with today’s date so that you know when you have frozen your fresh jar of peanut butter!
How do you plan to freeze your peanut butter? Share your experience with me in the comment below. I am always looking to hear from my readers.
