Should You Refrigerate Ghee or Keep It at Room Temp?

PDF download Download Article
How to store ghee—and how to know if it’s gone bad
PDF download Download Article

Ghee is a delicious and versatile ingredient for cooking—but how exactly should you store it? Is it okay to keep at room temperature, or does it need to be refrigerated? Don’t worry, we have everything you need to know about whether (and when) you should refrigerate ghee.

Does ghee need to be refrigerated after opening?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate ghee after you open it. At room temperature, ghee stays good for up to 12 months or more unopened, or 3–6 months after it’s opened. However, you can put ghee in the refrigerator if you want to extend its shelf life up to 6–12 months.

Section 1 of 3:

Do you have to refrigerate ghee?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Ghee is a product made by simmering butter to remove the water, then straining it to filter out the milk solids. This creates a shelf-stable oil that you can store at room temperature, as long as it’s kept in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. That said, you can refrigerate ghee to extend its shelf life. [1]
    • At room temperature, ghee can last for 3–6 months if it’s been opened or 12 months or more if it’s unopened. [2]
    • In the refrigerator, ghee can last for 6–12 months if it’s been opened and 12 months or more unopened.
    • In the freezer ghee may stay good for more than a year. [3]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Pros & Cons of Refrigerating Ghee

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of ghee. Unopened ghee can last 12 months or more at room temperature. But once it’s been opened, it’s usually only good for about 3–6 months. Putting an opened container of ghee in the refrigerator may extend the shelf life for up to 12 months.
    • To prolong the shelf life of your ghee, keep the jar sealed tightly and use clean, dry utensils to scoop it out of the container. [4]
  2. 2
    Refrigeration may change the flavor, aroma, and texture of ghee. If ghee is refrigerated, you may notice that its flavor and aroma are a little muted. The texture will also change—it will become solid like butter, but will be a little grainy. Refrigerated ghee can be harder to scoop out of the container, which is why many people prefer to keep it at room temperature. [5]
    • After the ghee warms to room temperature, its flavor, aroma, and texture should all return to normal.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

How do you know if ghee is still good?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Moisture can cause bacteria to grow in ghee, and heat and light can lead to oxidation. These can all cause the ghee to go rancid. If your ghee spoils, it may: [6]
    • Have a sour or “off” smell
    • Taste sour
    • Look white or have an uneven color
    • Take on an odd grainy texture
    • Develop mold

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      5 Signs That Your Corn on the Cob Has Gone Bad
      Telling Signs a Pineapple Has Gone Bad
      How to
      Tell if an Egg is Bad
      4 Ways to Tell if Chicken has Gone Bad
      5 Warning Signs That Pork Has Gone Bad
      How Can You Tell If a Watermelon Is Bad? Key Signs to Look For
      How to
      Cool Burns from Chili Peppers
      How to
      Tell if a Sweet Potato Has Gone Bad
      How to
      Tell if Lettuce Has Gone Bad
      How to
      Tell if Mayo Is Bad
      How Long Does Ham Last? Tips for Storage and More
      How Can You Tell If a Cantaloupe Has Gone Bad?
      How to
      Get Rid of Weevils (Flour Bugs)
      5 Signs a Lemon Has Gone Bad + Best Storage Tips
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/1607748/how-to-store-ghee-tips/
      2. ↑ https://www.doesitgobad.com/ghee-go-bad/
      3. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/1607748/how-to-store-ghee-tips/
      4. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/1607748/how-to-store-ghee-tips/
      5. ↑ https://www.recipetineats.com/how-to-make-ghee-and-clarified-butter/
      6. ↑ https://www.thedailymeal.com/1607748/how-to-store-ghee-tips/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement