Storage and Usage Advice When You’re Wondering, Does Ghee Need To Be Refrigerated?
Ghee serves as a delicious and effective upgrade from using other cooking oils or butter. Because the function of ghee differs from oils and butter, it is worth wondering how the storage requirements and shelf life of ghee are different. How long will ghee last? Where should ghee be stored? Does ghee need to be refrigerated?
Most ghee should come with a ‘use by’ date unless, of course, you are making it yourself at home. The best thing is, this ‘use by’ date operates primarily as a guideline for achieving the highest quality in your use. It does not need to be considered an ‘expired on’ date and certainly not a ‘will make you sick if you consume later than’ date. Ghee will tend to decrease in quality steadily over time, but there are methods of storage that can extend its life.
Does Ghee Need To Be Refrigerated?
The simple answer to the question ‘does ghee need to be refrigerated?’ is no, it does not. It would be best to store your ghee in a cool and dry place that avoids direct sunlight. This will ensure a high quality for your use by the ‘use by’ date. With this method, you can store your ghee for up to nine months. Once opened, that stretch reduces to three months. For anything you think might be stored longer, it is best to utilize refrigeration.
Although you don’t need to refrigerate your ghee, it may be wise to do so, especially after opening. If you’re not using your ghee regularly in recipes, it is easy to go beyond that highest quality point and forget to refrigerate. If you are buying ghee in large amounts, pay extra attention to your storage methods. Refrigeration in these instances is the best method to ensure high quality for your usage.
What About For Longer Storage?
Ghee can be frozen for more extended and safer storage to maintain freshness. With a large amount of ghee to store, the best method would be to divide your ghee into individual packets or containers in the portions you plan on using. For thawing, these separate portions can be left in the refrigerator overnight and used the next day.
Most important is to understand when your ghee has gone bad. Rancid ghee has a characteristic scent different from the sweetness of the fresh ghee, and it will also have a sour taste. If you reach a point where you notice your ghee smells off or has a sour flavor, that ghee is certainly past its prime.
For plenty of ideas on how to use your ghee to make sure you get the most out of it, check out our ghee recipes on the ghee blog and our ghee recipe book.
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