How long can butter be stored without refrigeration?

Question

What is the safe storage time for butter kept at room temperature? Learn how long you can keep it on the counter before it needs to be chilled.

Answer 1

Butter can typically be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days, provided it's salted and kept in an airtight container away from heat and light. Unsalted butter should always be refrigerated.

Detailed Explanation:

The shelf life of butter at room temperature depends on several factors, primarily whether it's salted or unsalted, the ambient temperature, and how it's stored. Salt acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Therefore, salted butter can generally last longer at room temperature than unsalted butter.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Salted Butter: Salted butter can usually be kept at room temperature (around 68-72°F or 20-22°C) for 1-2 days without significant spoilage. The salt content helps to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is much more susceptible to bacterial growth and should always be refrigerated. Leaving it at room temperature for more than a few hours can lead to spoilage.
3. Storage: Proper storage is crucial. Butter should be kept in an airtight container or butter dish to prevent it from absorbing odors and flavors from the surrounding environment and to protect it from light, which can degrade its quality.
4. Temperature: Higher temperatures will significantly reduce the shelf life of butter. If the room temperature is consistently above 75°F (24°C), it's best to refrigerate even salted butter.

If you plan to store butter for longer periods, refrigeration is always recommended. Refrigerated butter can last for several weeks, while frozen butter can last for several months.

Pro Tip:

To keep butter soft and spreadable without refrigeration, consider using a butter crock or bell. This device creates an airtight seal with a small amount of water, keeping the butter fresh and spreadable for several days at room temperature. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness.