Got a half-opened jar of ghee at the pantry that had been opened god knows how long? Or must be wondering whether ghee gets spoiled or not? How long does ghee last? Are you having all these doubts? Here is a blog post that will solve all your doubts within the next few minutes.
Ghee lasts for three to six months at room temperature. It can stay fresh for up to one year when kept in the refrigerator. When it comes to freezing, ghee can stay in good condition for up to two years.
Ghee or clarified butter is a pantry staple for Asian households. It is known for its good nutritional profile as well as for its nutty roasted flavors. You can use it for frying, sauteing, and roasting meat, fish, and veggies.
Keep reading this article and know about the shelf life, storage, and signs of spoilage of ghee, so that next time you don’t have to worry about how long ghee lasts! Let’s get started!
How Long Does Ghee Last?
Here is a table that shows the shelf life of ghee in various storage areas.
| Conditions | Pantry | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghee (Opened) | 4 to 6 months | 12 months | 2 years |
| Ghee (Unopened) | 1 to 2 years | 1 to 2 years | 2 years |
Well, the shelf life of ghee depends on how you store it. So, if you want ghee to sustain for longer, you must store it properly. If you keep ghee at room temperature, it lasts for three months.
It can stay fresh for up to one year when kept in the refrigerator. When it comes to freezing, ghee can stay in good condition for up to two years. Make sure you do not place or store ghee in hot areas or places with direct sunlight.
Remember to keep it away from the oxygen. Well, not only this, but make sure you use a good quality container to store ghee.
Use air-tight containers, such as mason jars, to extend the life span of ghee. Proper ghee storage ensures keeping the best flavors and freshness for a long period.
Can You Freeze Ghee?
Yes, you can freeze ghee and store it for a longer period. If you have a large batch of ghee, you can freeze it without any worry.
It is the most effective yet simplest way to store and extend the shelf life of ghee. All you need to store ghee in an airtight jar and some space in your freezer. You can also freeze a homemade batch of ghee.
How To Store Ghee In The Freezer?
- You need to transfer the ghee into a plastic container or freezer bag. I suggest you not use a glass jar for freezing purposes.
- Make sure the bag or container is properly sealed.
- You can store it in portions if you want to use it frequently.
- Once it is properly sealed, place it in the freezer, and that’s it; you are done.
- Well, here is a tip, thaw the ghee in the refrigerator when you want to use it.
Does Ghee Go Bad?
Yes, ghee does go bad after a certain period. If you do not store it properly, it is likely to get spoiled.
So whenever you notice any kind of mold, black spots, foul smell, discoloration, or any kind of bacterial growth, just discard it away.
How To Tell If Ghee Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
Wondering whether the ghee in your pantry is good for use or not? Here are some signs of spoilage. Look for them and judge whether it is good or not. Let’s dive right in.
1. Discoloration
You must have noticed that ghee has a yellow color. But when it gets spoiled, it changes its color to white. So, whenever you find any change in the color of the ghee, it’s time to toss it away.
2. Mold Growth
Well, the presence of mold is a clear indication of ghee being spoiled. The bacterial growth makes it unfit for consumption. So, it’s time to say goodbye whenever you notice molds or any kind of bacterial attack.
3. Rancid
When ghee is exposed to air or moisture for a long period, it gets rancid. Originally, ghee has a nice nutty, roasted flavor, but when it gets rancid, it gets a sour taste, and you will experience an unpleasant odor.
4. Several Years Old
Even if you store ghee with the utmost care, it loses its natural flavor and quality after a certain period. If you kept ghee at the back of the cupboard in the pantry for several years, you must toss it away. Go for fresh and use it for further cooking purposes.
5. Unpleasant smell or taste
Well, what else is better to test anything other than using your senses? If you do not experience a natural milky sweet aroma and mildly nutty flavor from ghee, then it’s time to discard it. When it loses its natural taste and aroma, it indicates that ghee is not good for further consumption.
How To Store Ghee To Extend Its Shelf Life?
As I already mentioned, storage has a great impact on the shelf life of the ghee. Here are a few tips you must remember while storing ghee. Let’s dive right in!
1. Go for an airtight container
Want to know the safest yet easiest way to store ghee? Well, here it is! It is best to store ghee in an air-tight container. This will save ghee from coming in contact with the air and moisture.
Make sure you use a well-sealed and proper container for storing ghee, as it will protect it from getting contaminated. You can also use a glass container. Close the jar properly.
2. Clean utensils and spoons
Make sure you use clean and dry utensils for storing ghee. Moreover, for scooping, always use a clean and dry spoon. This will reduce its chances of getting spoiled.
Do not use spoons that are used for other products, as they might lead to the growth of molds.
3. Cool and dry areas
The best way to store ghee is to place them in dark and dry areas. Keeping them away from sunlight is important as it prevents ghee from oxidizing or getting rancid.
It helps maintain its taste and flavors with original quality and nourishment. I rather suggest you place it in the pantry where sunlight can’t reach and is cool and dry.
4. Refrigerate to extend the shelf life
Another way to extend the lifespan of ghee is to store it in the refrigerator. Even a half-open ghee pack can last up to 1 year when refrigerated. It might change its state from liquid to solid, but you can scoop it out with the help of a spoon or by placing it at room temperature for a few hours.
5. Freezing for long-term storage
Well, storing it in the freezer is believed to reduce its degradation process and thus eventually extend shelf life. You can freeze the ghee in an air-tight container, plastic, or freezer-safe bag.
Tips to extend the shelf life of ghee
Well, as you know the signs of spoilage, it is best to know about a few important tips if you want to extend its shelf life. Let’s zone in and learn about them.
- Place it in the refrigerator to keep it away from sunlight or heat.
- Store it in an airtight container.
- Keep it away from the reach of direct sunlight and place it in dry and cool areas.
- You can extend the lifespan of ghee by storing it in the freezer.
- Do not use ghee if you find any kind of sour smell or change in color.
- Toss it away if you find any kind of bacterial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How To Store Ghee To Extend Its Shelf Life?
Store ghee in an airtight container such as a mason jar, use clean utensils, place it in dry and cool areas, keep away from sunlight, and refrigerate or freeze it to extend its shelf life.
Does Ghee Go Bad?
Yes, ghee does go bad after a certain period. If you do not store it properly, it is likely to get spoiled.
How To Tell If Ghee Has Gone Bad Or Spoiled?
The presence of any kind of mold, black spots, foul smell, discoloration, or any kind of bacterial growth, just discards it away.
How long does ghee last?
Ghee last for three to six months at room temperature. It can stay fresh for up to one year when kept in the refrigerator. When it comes to freezing, ghee can stay in good condition for up to two years.
Can You Freeze Ghee?
Yes, you can freeze ghee and store it for a longer period. If you have a large batch of ghee, you can freeze it without any worry. It is the most effective yet simplest way to store and extend the shelf life of ghee.
Conclusion
Well, this is all about how long ghee lasts. It is quite a versatile product and is not only used for cooking purposes but for various health purposes.
If you want to extend the shelf life of ghee, pay attention to its storage. So what are you waiting for? Roast meat and vegetables with the goodness of ghee.
