Quick answers
Ghee butter can last for several months when stored properly. Unopened ghee lasts 12-18 months past the printed date. Opened ghee lasts 2-3 months at room temperature and 6-8 months refrigerated. Ghee lasts longer than butter since the milk solids have been removed. Storing ghee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place helps extend its shelf life. Look for signs of spoilage like mold, sour smell, or bitterness before consuming old ghee.
What is ghee?
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that originated in India and remains a staple ingredient in South Asian cuisine. To make ghee, butter is slowly simmered to separate and remove the milk solids from the pure butterfat. What remains is a clear, golden liquid with a rich nutty aroma and flavor.
The process of clarifying the butter to make ghee allows it to keep for much longer than regular butter. By removing the milk solids and water, ghee is less prone to going rancid from bacterial growth. Ghee has a high smoke point which also makes it ideal for sautéing at high heats. While butter can burn and brown quickly during cooking, ghee remains stable under hot temperatures.
Ghee has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine and South Asian cultures. It is believed to provide numerous health benefits when consumed in moderation, such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. The vitamins A, D, E, and K in ghee are fat-soluble nutrients that our bodies can readily absorb and utilize when consumed along with the fats in ghee.
How long does unopened ghee last?
Unopened, store-bought ghee can typically last for 12-18 months past the printed expiration or best by date on the jar. Since ghee is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration, an unopened jar can often last over a year when stored properly in a cool, dark pantry.
The expiration date on ghee is usually conservative to account for variable storage conditions. If the ghee has been continually stored in a climate controlled environment, it may last for several months past the printed date. Always inspect the ghee before use by smelling it and looking for any change in color or texture. As long as it retains the same light golden hue, nutty smell, and smooth liquid texture, ghee is likely still fine to consume and cook with.
It is best to use unopened ghee within 18 months for optimal freshness and flavor. The aroma and taste of ghee slowly decline over time but it does not necessarily spoil immediately after the expiration date. Trust your senses in addition to the date label to determine if unopened ghee has gone bad or not. Properly stored ghee can often last up to 2 years past the printed date before it is considered expired.
How long does opened ghee last?
Once opened, ghee lasts 2-3 months if left at room temperature. Refrigerating after opening extends the shelf life to 6-8 months. Keeping ghee refrigerated is recommended to maximize freshness and shelf life after the jar has been opened.
The exposure to heat, air, light and repeated contact with cooking utensils introduces components that accelerate the spoilage of ghee. Keeping opened ghee refrigerated minimizes these risks and preserves the quality much better than storing at room temperature.
Tightly seal the lid and keep the jar towards the back of the refrigerator where temperature fluctuations are less frequent. Cold temperatures slow down oxidation and bacterial growth to prolong the shelf life.
Opened ghee can also be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months. Keep the jar in a cool, dark pantry away from heat sources or windows to maintain a moderate, stable temperature. Transferring ghee to a smaller container also helps limit air exposure. Allow ghee to come to room temperature before use since the viscosity increases when cold.
How to tell if ghee has gone bad
Ghee rarely spoils, but it can go rancid once old enough. Here are some signs that opened or unopened ghee has expired and should be discarded:
Sour smell
Fresh ghee has a nutty, buttery aroma. If it smells sour or unpleasant, it has likely spoiled from bacteria or excessive oxidation.
Change in texture
Ghee is smooth and liquid at room temperature. If it becomes grainy, hardened or waxy, this indicates the fats have degraded over time.
Mold
The growth of mold, even just a few spots, is a clear sign old ghee has spoiled and should not be consumed.
Bitter or unpleasant taste
Rancid ghee will taste bitter, unpleasant, or “off” compared to fresh ghee with a sweet and nutty flavor.
Change in color
Look for ghee that is still a light golden yellow color. darkened ghee may be spoiled from oxidation.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life of Ghee |
|---|---|
| Unopened ghee (stored in pantry) | 12-18 months past printed date |
| Opened ghee (stored in refrigerator) | 6-8 months |
| Opened ghee (stored in pantry) | 2-3 months |
Tips to extend ghee shelf life
Here are some tips to help ghee last as long as possible:
Buy ghee in smaller quantities
Avoid buying more ghee than you can use within a few months. Once opened, ghee quality slowly declines over time. Purchase ghee in smaller jars or transfer extra into smaller airtight containers to limit air exposure.
Store ghee properly
Keep ghee in a cool, dark place around 60-70°F. Refrigerate after opening to extend shelf life. Minimize temperature fluctuations and exposure to light and air.
Check for signs of spoilage
Inspect ghee for changes in smell, taste, texture and appearance before use. If any rancid, off or unpleasant characteristics develop, the ghee has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Use clean utensils
Always use clean utensils to remove ghee to avoid introducing bacteria or other contaminants that will accelerate spoilage. Never return used utensils back into the ghee.
Make ghee in small batches
Consider making your own ghee in smaller quantities if you will not use it quickly. Homemade ghee lasts 1-2 months refrigerated. Make fresh ghee every couple months for best flavor.
How to store ghee properly
To get the longest shelf life out of ghee, follow these storage recommendations:
Pantry storage
Keep sealed ghee in a cool, dry place around 60-70°F. Avoid warm areas near stoves, dishwashers or in direct sunlight which can speed up oxidation.
Refrigerator storage
Refrigerate opened ghee in an airtight container. Store towards the back where temperature fluctuations are minimal. Let refrigerated ghee come to room temperature before use.
Freezer storage
Ghee can be stored in the freezer to extend shelf life by several months. Thaw completely before use as ghee solidifies when frozen. Freezing can alter texture slightly.
Container
Keep ghee sealed in an airtight glass or food-grade plastic container. Minimize air exposure by using a smaller container once opened. Dark containers also help block light exposure.
Shelf life tracking
Label ghee containers with date opened and use within recommended timelines for optimal freshness and flavor. Discard ghee if quality declines or shows any signs of spoilage.
Frequently asked questions
Why does ghee last so long compared to butter?
Ghee lasts significantly longer than butter due to the process of clarifying the butter to make ghee. Simmering removes the milk solids and water that can cause butter to go rancid. The resulting pure butterfat left as ghee is extremely shelf-stable.
Can ghee be stored at room temperature?
Yes, unopened ghee will keep 12-18 months at room temperature in a cool pantry. Opened ghee can be left at room temperature for 2-3 months. Refrigeration extends shelf life, but is not required.
Can you reuse ghee after frying?
It is best to avoid reusing ghee after frying. The introduction of food particles will shorten the shelf life. Strain out solids if reusing. Limit to 1 or 2 additional uses before discarding used ghee.
Is ghee healthier than butter?
Ghee provides certain health benefits compared to butter due to its higher smoke point and clarified state. However, ghee is still 100% fat, so consume in moderation. Those with lactose intolerance can often tolerate ghee better since the milk solids have been removed.
How long does ghee last after opening?
Opened ghee will keep for 2-3 months at room temperature, or 6-8 months refrigerated. Be sure to store opened ghee in an airtight container away from heat, light, and air to maximize shelf life.
Conclusion
With proper storage, ghee can remain fresh and usable for over a year past the printed expiration date. Unopened ghee lasts 12-18 months in the pantry, while opened ghee will keep for 2-3 months at room temperature or 6-8 months refrigerated. Look for changes in smell, taste, texture and appearance to determine if ghee has gone rancid or spoiled. Storing ghee in a cool, dark place minimizes temperature fluctuations and exposure to light and air to help extend its shelf life. Use clean utensils to prevent contamination each time ghee is used. While ghee lasts significantly longer than butter, consume opened jars within the recommended time frame for the best quality, nutrition and flavor.