Peanut butter lasts up to a year longer if stored in 1 unexpected area of the kitchen

Peanut butter will last for up to a year if stored in the best part of the kitchen (Image: Getty)

Peanut butter is a breakfast staple that is perfect to stir into porridge or add to a smoothie, but many people do not realise they are storing it wrong. 

If you have ever opened a jar of peanut butter to find it has turned bitter and smells sour, it may be because you are storing it at room temperature in a cupboard. 

The experts at Blue Flame Kitchen, have shared that natural peanut butter should always be stored in the fridge.

They said: “The two main benefits of storing PB in the fridge are straightforward enough. First and foremost, refrigerating some peanut butter keeps the oil from quickly separating out. 

“Also, peanut butter can go rancid relatively quickly if stored in a warm place, so stashing it in the fridge extends its freshness.”

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Peanut butter will stay fresh for longer if kept in the fridge (Image: Getty)

If you have bought peanut butter to be healthier, then it likely does not have preservatives, which means the peanuts will quickly spoil and should be kept at a cold temperature.

The natural oils are high in unsaturated fats, which will become rancid if exposed to heat, light and too much air once the lid has been opened. 

Most commercial peanut butters with preservatives are fine to store at room temperature, but keeping them in the fridge can help extend their shelf life after opening. 

If you are not sure what type of peanut butter you own, then simply check the label, and it will tell you the best way to store it. 

The expert said: “The simplest thing to do is to follow the wise counsel of the label on the peanut butter jar. 

“The manufacturer has tested the peanut butter thoroughly, and if they recommend you store it in the fridge, there’s a reason for that."

Always check the label before storing peanut butter in the cupboard (Image: Getty)

No matter what type of peanut butter you buy, the fridge can keep it fresh for up to a year after you open it, so you can cut down on food waste and save some money at the supermarket. 

However, the biggest downside of keeping peanut butter in the fridge is that it will harden when chilled and be more difficult to spread. If you can, make sure to take peanut butter out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before using it. 

You can also scoop out the desired amount you need and stick it in the microwave for a couple of seconds to get it gooey and soft again. 

Peanut butter will stay creamy (or crunchy!) for much longer if you read the label and store it in the best spot in your kitchen.