Myth: I store opened peanut butter in the refrigerator so it doesn't spoil.

Answer: Busted!

Peanut butter can be safely stored without refrigeration because it contains less than one percent moisture. It will not spoil like a perishable food, but because of its high oil content, it may develop rancidity during storage. Rancidity gives the product an old, oily, off flavor. If this occurs, the peanut butter should be replaced with a new supply.

Want more information about how to store foods at home? See the MU Extension publication Storing foods at home. Additional nutrition and health information can be found on the MissouriFamilies website.

Contributor: Maude Harris, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, harrismau@missouri.edu, 573.545.3516