Should ghee be kept out of light?
I have ghee in clear glass jar on a shelf in my kitchen, would it keep for longer if I try to store it in a dark place? Does light speed up oxidation?
Best Answer
According to IndiaCurry, it should be stored in containers opaque to ultraviolet light for long term storage:
The UV rays from sunlight, florescent lights, and other sources accelerate oxidation process. The storage container container for ghee must be opaque to filter out UV rays. Preferably ghee must be stored in a dark place
I was unable to find credible sources with more detailed information that indicate exactly how this affects storage life. In fact, it was hard to find any references at all--most were far more concerned with keeping it from being exposed to air (oxygen).
However, as it is such an easy thing to arrange--just put the jar in a cabinet for example, or use an amber glass jar--that it seems worth doing. My guess is that in practice, unless you are using your ghee very slowly, or have an extraordinarily large amount, that it makes very little difference, but again its easy, so why not?
I did find lots of references to using ghee in lamps--this is the power of Google! :-)
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Quick Answer about "Should ghee be kept out of light?"
Sunlight will cause ghee to oxidize and lose its nourishing properties. We recommend keeping unopened jars in a cool, dark, temperature stable place. Opened jars can be kept in a cabinet, away from light for up to 3 months, or refrigerated for up to a year thereafter.How should ghee be stored?
(Source) Ghee can be stored, unopened, in a cool, dark, not-necessarily-refrigerated place for 9 months. Once opened, a jar can be kept on your counter top for 3 months. Beyond that, the open jar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 year. (Source) A jar of ghee in the freezer at 0\xb0F can be kept indefinitely.How do you know if ghee has gone bad?
Rancid ghee has a distinct odor (instead of the usual milky-sweet one), tastes sour, and is often stark white in color ([AG]). It smells off. It might be that it's rancid, or there's something else going on here. If it doesn't pass the sniff test, don't use it.Can I keep ghee in room temperature?
An unopened jar of ghee could be stored in a dark place, away from sunlight at room-temperature (think kitchen cabinet) for up to nine months without concern. After the jar is opened, it can stay in its room-temperature cabinet for up to six months or it can be stored in a refrigerator for up to a year.Which container is best for ghee?
If you want to deep freeze it, you must look out for 'freezer safe' plastic containers which can bear low temperatures. On the other hand, glass containers can be used to store big batches of ghee and steel containers can house small quantity ghee for everyday usage.Does Lighting a Lamp Make Any Sense? | #9pm9min | Sadhguru
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Answer 2
Did you make it yourself or is it bought?
Ideally ghee and clarified butter should be stored in the refridgerator which is dark by default. Ghee is essentially just butter that has been clarified and has the water and impurities taken out, but sometimes some can remain which is why ideally it's best to keep it in the fridge.
Answer 3
Homemade ghee doesn't need to be stored in the refrigerator.
You can put it in an opaque container and store it in closed cupboard.
Also, the older the ghee is, the yummier and healthier it is.
When making ghee at home, make sure you over cook it a tad bit (this will not alter its taste).
This will ensure that your ghee stays good a longer time, even over a year.
Even slightly undercooked ghee starts giving a foul smell within a month and should not be consumed.
You know your ghee is perfectly cooked when you see it well granulated.
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