When it comes to nut butters, almond butter is one that has a good reputation not only for being delicious, but also for the abundance of health benefits that it can deliver. With this, there is no wonder why many of us stock it up at home, sometimes, to the point of having more than what we need and what we can consume.
Read more Ultimate Guides:
If you have almond butter that has been at home for quite some time already, it would be best to read this post before you decide to eat or use it. Does almond butter go bad? If you are wondering, keep on reading and you will know. Plus, I will also share with you some tips on the proper storage of almond butter to keep it fresher longer.
What is Almond Butter?
In our quest towards healthier eating, almond butter is one that we will often hear and read about. As the name implies, it is simply a form of nut butter that uses almonds. It has a nutritional profile that is attractive, including those that will be mentioned below.
Among other things, almond butter is beneficial because it has a high concentration of protein. With this, it can be helpful in the repair of tissues and in the prevention of further damage. It is a common choice among athletes and people who go to the gym. It takes quite a while to digest, and hence, you will feel fuller longer and cravings will be cut.
Another health benefit of almond butter is that it has fats that are healthy for the body. In one study from the Pennsylvania State University, the findings showed that almond butter has low saturated fat and high unsaturated fat. It also has components that will lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
To add, it is also asserted that almond butter can have an effect on the sensitivity of the body with insulin. With this, it can be a good choice of butter for people who have diabetes, which is similar to the benefits of eating mixed nut.
While you can buy commercial almond butters, you can also make one at the comfort of your own home. Here is a short video that will show you how it can be done:
Does Almond Butter Go Bad?
Unfortunately, almond butter does not have an indefinite shelf life. At one point, it will go bad. However, the process of spoilage can be delayed, provided that it is handled properly and you pay attention to its right storage.
The main reason why almond butter goes bad is the fat content of the butter. This will make it attract elements that could make the butter spoil, but if you store it the right way, it will not immediately go off.
For store-purchased almond butter, you can keep it for several months in the fridge. If it is home-made, on the other hand, it can go off within just two weeks, even if it is refrigerated. This is because of the lack of preservatives that will allow it to deter the presence of contaminants.
How To Know if Almond Butter Has Gone Bad
If you bought almond butter from a store, pay attention to its packaging. If it already seems distorted or damaged in any way, this can be a sign that it is no longer good. Also, look at the best before date specified by the manufacturer. Past this date, the flavor will no longer be the same, although eating it is still possibly safe.
There are different visual cues that will be indicative of the spoilage of almond butter. For instance, you will most probably see an appearance of mold. The color will also be darker or lighter than the original. The texture will no longer be creamy. It can be harder or it can also be watery.
You can also consider tasting a small amount of the butter. If you are too afraid to taste, although there is no reason to have such fear, you can just smell it. It will turn rancid or sour once it has already past its prime.
How to Make It Last Longer
Fortunately, there are different things that you can do to delay spoilage. The best thing that you can do is to keep it in the fridge. If you have just made homemade fresh almond butter, make sure that you transfer it in a clean and dry container before putting it in the fridge.
If you are making your own almond butter, the right choice of ingredients will be critical in making it last longer. With this, find raw almonds that are organic and fresh. Preferably, purchase the nuts from a store that has a reputation for high turnover rate to be assured that the nuts are new.
Also, it is best to use almonds that have not been roasted yet, unless you are sure that you will be making the almond butter immediately. The process of roasting can affect the almond’s cellular structure and may make it easily prone to spoilage.
When it comes to storage, if you want the almond butter to last longer, it is best to keep it in its original glass packaging. If you have to use your own container, meanwhile, it is important that it comes with a tight seal to avoid penetration of air and other external elements. Plastic bags should be avoided.
Conclusion
Does almond butter go bad? Yes, time will come that almond butter will spoil and should no longer be consumed. Here is a quick summary of the points that we have discussed above.
- Almond butter is not only delicious, but is also good for the health. It is an excellent source of protein. It has high unsaturated fat and low saturated fat. It can also affect the sensitivity of the body to insulin, making it ideal for people with diabetes.
- There are several indications that almond butter has already gone bad. The taste and smell will be sour. Mold can also appear on the top. The texture can be harder or it can also appear watered.
- You can make almond butter last longer by storing it properly. The best is to keep it refrigerated. If you are making your homemade almond butter, be sure to use raw and fresh nuts.
