Expiration & Storage Tips
When does cashew butter expire?
Cashew butter usually has a best-before or use-by date on its packaging, but the actual 'life span' may extend beyond this. Unopened, it can last up to a year in a pantry, only to decrease to 2-3 months once opened if kept in the pantry. However, when stored in the refrigerator, opened cashew butter can extend its freshness up to 6 months. If you decide to freeze it, it can last for a year or more.
How do you tell if cashew butter is bad?
Like many food products, the best way to tell if your cashew butter has gone bad is by smell and sight. If it has developed a rancid or 'off' smell, or if mold appears, the butter has likely gone bad and should be disposed of. Also, if the texture changes and becomes overly hard or dry, this could indicate that it's no longer safe to eat.
Tips for storing cashew butter to extend shelf life
• Always close the lid tightly after every use to prevent air from entering and speeding up the deterioration process.
• If you live in a warm climate or if you don't use cashew butter frequently, consider refrigerating it to extend its shelf life.
• Use clean utensils to scoop cashew butter. Using dirty utensils could introduce bacteria, causing the butter to spoil faster.
• To prevent any unwanted freezer burn when storing it in a freezer, make sure it's packed in airtight containers or zip-top freezer bags.
• To defrost frozen cashew butter, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. Once thawed, give it a good stir before use to mix any oil separation.
• Remember that storing cashew butter in the door of the fridge can expose it to fluctuating temperatures, which can hasten the spoilage process. It’s better to keep it on a stable shelf inside.