Buttermilk is a byproduct of butter, and it is a dairy product. It contains lactose and milk fat. The liquid is used to make cakes, biscuits, pancakes, and other baked goods. It can also be used in salad dressings or as a dip.
How long does buttermilk last? In this article, I will guide you on how to store it properly to use for a longer time. Buttermilk is a good source of protein that only 250ml contains 8 grams of it. If we talk about the flavor then it has a tangy flavor and it is a little sour milk. If you want to store it then keep in mind that it must be refrigerated because it contains a high level of lactose.
Types of buttermilk
There are two major types of buttermilk, one if cultured and the other is traditional. We will dive further into detail to know more about buttermilk.
Cultured Buttermilk
This type is made from milk and yogurt. The bacteria in yogurt helps to create lactic acid. This type of buttermilk is thicker and has more tartness than the traditional buttermilk.
Traditional Buttermilk
This type of buttermilk is a byproduct of the butter-making process. It is a thin liquid and has a sour taste.
How long does buttermilk last?
Lactic acid and diacetyl are two compounds that make buttermilk tangy and sour. However, as time passes, the flavor of these compounds will decrease. The shelf life of buttermilk is 7-14 days in refrigerated condition and 3 months in a frozen state.
| Buttermilk | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Unopened | 7-14 days after best by date | 3 months after best by date |
| Opened | 10 days after best by date | 3 months after best by date |
How to store it properly?
When you buy buttermilk, make sure that you shake the container well. After that, put it in the fridge and keep it in the back where the temperature is cold. You can also freeze it in the original container or you can pour it in a freezer-safe bag.
Make sure that you remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Do not microwave it because it will change the texture and flavor.
Storing in the Fridge
The best way to store buttermilk is in a refrigerator. The ideal temperature for this dairy product is 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. When you store it in the fridge, make sure that you shake the container before each use. This will ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
Also, make sure that if you are not going to use it frequently then try to place it on the very backside of the fridge. The front side of the fridge changes in temperature due to frequent door opening. So, this will not be the ideal place to store it.
Storing in the Freezer
If you want to store buttermilk for a longer time then you can freeze it. The freezing temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit or less. When you freeze it, make sure that you pour it into an airtight container. This will prevent the formation of ice crystals. Also, when you want to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Do not try to microwave it because it will change the texture and flavor.
How to know if buttermilk is bad?
If you are not sure whether your milk is good or bad then follow the tips below.
- Smell: Although fresh and good buttermilk smells sour and tangy yet it should not have any unpleasant odor. If it smells bad then it is probably expired.
- Appearance: The good buttermilk will be thick and creamy. If it is watery or has lumps then it is not good to consume.
- Taste: A fresh buttermilk tastes sour and tangy. If it does not have these flavors, then it is not good.
- Time: Buttermilk expires within 14 days of opening and 3 months in the freezer. If it exceeds these timeframes, then it is bad.
If you follow all these tips then you will be able to identify the bad buttermilk.
F.A.Q
Does buttermilk go bad?
Yes, unopened buttermilk has a shelf life of 7-14 days while opened buttermilk lasts up to 14 days. Freezing it extends the shelf life by 3 months.
How does buttermilk smell?
Buttermilk usually smells sour and tangy but it should not have any unpleasant odor. If it smells bad then it is probably expired.
What to do with expired buttermilk?
If your buttermilk has expired then you should discard it. Do not try to consume it as it may make you sick.
Can I freeze buttermilk?
Yes, you can freeze buttermilk in the original container or a freezer-safe bag.
Is buttermilk supposed to be chunky?
No, buttermilk is not supposed to be chunky. If it is chunky then you may have used an expired or sour product.
What does buttermilk taste like?
Buttermilk has a sour and tangy taste. It is often used in baking as it helps to make foods light and fluffy.
Does buttermilk separate in the fridge?
Buttermilk should not separate in the fridge. If it does then you may have used an expired or sour product.
Can I make my own buttermilk?
Yes, you can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Does buttermilk smell sour?
Buttermilk usually smells sour and tangy. If it has an unpleasant odor then it is likely to expire.
Summary
Buttermilk is a dairy product that is made from cow’s milk. It has a sour and tangy taste and is often used in baking. Buttermilk typically has a shelf life of 7-14 days unopened and 14 days opened. It can be frozen for 3 months. If it has expired, it should be discarded. Buttermilk should not separate in the fridge and if it does, it may have expired. It can be made at home by adding vinegar or lemon juice to milk.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading!
References
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-long-does-buttermilk-last
- http://www.eatbydate.com/dairy/milk/buttermilk/
- https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16656