Peanut Butter Selection and Storage

Peanut Butter Selection

Peanut butter is available in smooth, chunky (with small bits of chopped peanuts), natural, reduced-fat, no sugar added, and even swirled with jelly for those time-challenged consumers.

Commercial varieties are usually a blend of ground, shelled, roasted peanuts mixed with vegetable oil (usually hydrogenated) and a bit of salt. Some varieties also contain sugar and additives as stabilizers to prevent oil separation and to also enhance flavor.

Natural peanut butter normally contains only peanuts and oil, and will often separate requiring stirring.

Peanut Butter Storage

Homemade peanut butter should be refrigerated in tightly-sealed containers and ideally used within a couple of weeks. Turn the container upside-down occasionally to help redistribute the oils.

Natural peanut butters should be refrigerated after opening and can be kept up to six months.

Commercial varieties require no refrigeration, can be kept up to six months after opening. Unopened jars can be stored up to one year in a cool, dark location.

Peanut butter is not a good candidate for freezing.

More About Peanut Butter

• Peanut Butter Selection and Storage
• Peanut Butter and Health
• Peanut Butter History
• Homemade Peanut Butter Recipe
• Peanut Butter Recipes
_{Peanut Butter Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Cookbooks

•	Peanut Butter & Co. Cookbook
•	The Ultimate Peanut Butter Book
•	Nuts: Sweet and Savory Recipes from Diamond of California
•	The Totally Nuts Cookbook
•	More Cookbooks