How to Store Buttermilk

Buttermilk buscuits are light and fluffy.

Buttermilk is a slightly sour-tasting, thicker version of regular milk. The milk is either intentionally soured or obtained through the separation process during the making of butter. Buttermilk has been used for many years in cooking and baking and is known well for its use in buttermilk pancakes. Proper storage is important for buttermilk, as is the case with most dairy products. When stored correctly, you can use it in baking or simply for drinking.

Things You'll Need

• Airtight container for liquids

Instructions

1. Pour fresh or store-bought buttermilk into an airtight container with a spout for pouring. Seal the lid tightly to prevent other food odors from being absorbed into the milk.

2. Place your buttermilk container in the refrigerator.

3. Check to make sure your refrigerator is set between 33 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Your buttermilk will stay fresh at this temperature range for three to five days.

4. Shake the container before use. Buttermilk separates as it sits and needs shaking before you pour it.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes buttermilk will keep in the refrigerator longer than three to five days and will usually last a few days past the due date stamped on the carton. Smell and look at the milk to make sure it's okay if you've gone past the five-day mark.

• Save 1/2 cup buttermilk to make your own buttermilk by mixing it with 3 cups water and 1 1/3 cup nonfat powdered milk. Shake the ingredients in a jar and allow it to sit on the countertop, covered, for 10 hours before refrigerating.

References

• Mother Earth News: Is Sour Milk the Same as Buttermilk?
• North Dakota State University: Food Storage Guide: Dairy Products- Real and Substitutes: Buttermilk
• Ohio State University: Refrigerator Storage: Refrigerator Storage Chart: Buttermilk
• Kansas State University: Refrigerator Storage Chart: Dairy: Buttermilk