How Long Is Buttermilk Good For (And Why)?

How Long Is Buttermilk Good For (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 1-2 Weeks (Unopened)

Buttermilk is a drink that is made by churning the butter out of the cultured cream. However, there are several other methods for making buttermilk because some people tend to use sweet cream and some prefer cultured cream. Buttermilk is a dairy drink that is fermented.

Buttermilk, if left unopened could last for at least more than a week under the refrigerator but, when it is opened could last for about two weeks or more than that under proper storage in the refrigerator. On the other hand, if you keep it in the freezer then in both the cases (opened and unopened) it could last for three months at least.

How Long Is Buttermilk Good For

How Long Does Buttermilk Last?

ButtermilkLasting Duration
Buttermilk unopened under the refrigerator1-2 weeks
Buttermilk opened under the refrigeratorMore than 2 weeks
Buttermilk unopened kept under the freezer3 months
Buttermilk opened kept under the freezer3 months

Buttermilk is a nutritious and as well as healthy drink because the drink contains a lot of calcium and other important minerals. The recipe is quite easy and can be made in your home if you have all the required ingredients. Here is the list of ingredients that you will need to make buttermilk at your home.

A cup of buttermilk, a tablespoon of white vinegar, and milk. With such simple ingredients, it is possible for anyone to make buttermilk at home. However, there are many other methods to prepare buttermilk. Check out on the internet and choose the one which suits you the most.

Buttermilk is easy and above all, it is loved by most people. The drink is quite refreshing after a long tiring day. It is best served chilled to enjoy the taste of each ingredient in it. But, instead, you can make it just the way you like. Before you prepare buttermilk make sure that you are not allergic to lactose or lactose intolerant.

Why Does It Take That Long For Buttermilk To Last?

Buttermilk only lasts for about 1-2 weeks because when the drink is kept under the refrigerator it ages and then with aging the drink thickens and then starts losing its buttery flavour. However, when it is kept for more than two weeks you could use it for other purposes like baking and meat tenderizing depending on the acid qualities.

However, if opened should be consumed within a week or two because I am sure you would not like to drink something that will start to lose its taste. If you plan to open after quite a long period then it is best you keep it under the freezer because it could stay up to 3 months or even more than that.

The drink is something that is just a leftover after straining milk fat during the production of butter. However, as mentioned earlier that the drink is nutritious and healthy at the same time. It is a rich source of protein and low in fat.  People suffering from obesity could also drink without any harm.

Other than drinking buttermilk it has got other uses like using it for making pieces of breads, pancakes, and other types of quick loaves of breads. The drink has got a tangy kind of flavour compared to the regular milk that we drink and buttermilk is much thicker.

Sometimes people do not understand when the drink has become spoilt because of the tangy smell it has. So, it is important to know how to check the quality of buttermilk before consuming it. Therefore it is best recommended that you drink it within one week time to get the best quality.

Conclusion

In the end, it is your health that matters the most because if you drink buttermilk at its best quality then you will be getting all the nutrients like proteins and calcium. But, on the other hand, if the drink expires then it will be harmful to your health. However, expired buttermilk could be used for other purposes like baking, and other kinds of stuff.

 The drink could last up to two weeks if it is kept properly under the refrigerator and could last more than that if it is unopened. However, it is best that you consume or use it before one week.

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030203738703
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030206721154
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AboutNidhi

Hi! I'm Nidhi.

Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

23 Comments

  1. The article could have been more informative about the potential health benefits of buttermilk, besides the fact that it’s a ‘rich source of protein and low in fat.’ It would have been more compelling if the article had included scientific studies to support these claims.

  2. The article could have benefited from a more humorous take on the subject matter. Humor can engage readers and make the content more memorable.

  3. The article was quite engaging, particularly in terms of understanding the science behind why buttermilk has its distinct tangy flavor. This added a layer of depth to the reading experience.

  4. I appreciated the inclusion of references, it showcases the reliability of the information and gives readers the opportunity to explore the topic further.

  5. The content was well-presented and offered a balanced view on the shelf life of buttermilk, making it clear that while buttermilk can be used for longer periods if stored properly, it’s important to consume it in a timely manner for the best quality.

  6. Overall, a comprehensive and insightful article on the duration buttermilk lasts and its characteristics. It’s helpful for readers who want to make informed decisions about consuming and using buttermilk.

  7. The emphasis on proper storage and the potential consequences of consuming expired buttermilk provided important insights that could be beneficial to readers’ health and safety.

  8. I’d like to add that I enjoyed reading about the different ways to use buttermilk aside from drinking it. It’s a versatile ingredient that can enhance various recipes.

    1. Yes, the versatility of buttermilk is often overlooked, so it’s great to see it being discussed here.

  9. The article could have delved more into the historical origins of buttermilk, providing a more comprehensive background of this dairy product.

  10. Very well-written article about the duration buttermilk lasts and its other uses. There are important details about buttermilk that I was not aware of.

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