Earth Balance is a popular brand known for its vegan and plant-based butter alternatives. Many people wonder if Earth Balance needs to be refrigerated or if it can be stored at room temperature. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind keeping Earth Balance refrigerated, as well as alternative methods of storage.
Why refrigerate Earth Balance?
1. Quality and freshness
Refrigeration helps to maintain the quality and freshness of Earth Balance products. When exposed to heat, the oils in Earth Balance can become rancid over time. By refrigerating the product, the oils remain stable and the taste remains intact. This is particularly important if you live in a hot climate or have a kitchen that is prone to high temperatures.
2. Extending shelf life
Refrigerating Earth Balance can significantly extend its shelf life. While Earth Balance does have a relatively long shelf life even at room temperature, refrigeration slows down the process of oil oxidation, which can cause the product to spoil more quickly. By keeping Earth Balance refrigerated, you can prolong its freshness and ensure it stays usable for longer.
3. Consistency
Earth Balance often has a softer and spreadable consistency, similar to traditional dairy butter. Refrigerating the product helps to maintain this desirable consistency. When kept at room temperature, Earth Balance can become too soft, making it difficult to spread evenly on bread or toast. Refrigeration ensures that the product remains firm enough to easily slice or spread.
4. Prevention of separation
Another reason to refrigerate Earth Balance is to prevent separation. Ingredients like oil and water can separate when exposed to varying temperatures. By refrigerating Earth Balance, you help to keep the ingredients well-blended and prevent any unwanted separation. This ensures that you get a consistent texture and taste each time you use the product.
Other storage options
While refrigeration is the recommended method, there are alternative storage options for Earth Balance if refrigeration is not possible or desired.
1. Freezing
If you have a surplus of Earth Balance or want to stock up for future use, freezing it can be a viable option. Freezing Earth Balance won’t affect its taste or quality, but it can alter the texture. The product may become slightly grainy after thawing, but this will not negatively impact its usability. To freeze Earth Balance, simply transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Keeping at room temperature for short durations
While it is generally advised to refrigerate Earth Balance, keeping it at room temperature for short durations should not cause significant harm. If you plan to use Earth Balance within a week or so, and your kitchen is not excessively warm, leaving it at room temperature should not be an issue. However, it is still recommended to refrigerate it when not in use to ensure maximum freshness.
Common misconceptions
There are a few common misconceptions related to the storage of Earth Balance that need to be addressed.
1. It will go bad quickly at room temperature
While refrigeration is recommended, Earth Balance does not immediately go bad at room temperature. Its natural preservatives and packaging help to maintain its freshness. However, prolonged exposure to heat and oxygen can lead to a faster spoilage process. To ensure the best taste and quality, refrigeration is still advised.
2. Refrigeration alters the taste
Some individuals believe that refrigerating Earth Balance alters its taste, but this is not the case. While the texture may firm up slightly when refrigerated, the taste remains consistent. Earth Balance is specifically designed to retain its flavor even when chilled.
In conclusion
Refrigeration is strongly recommended for Earth Balance to maintain its quality, freshness, and consistency. While it is safe to keep it at room temperature for short durations, refrigerating it ensures a longer shelf life and prevents unwanted separation. Freezing is also an option if you want to store Earth Balance for an extended period. By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy Earth Balance at its best and make your plant-based butter alternative last longer.