There’s a lot to like about natural peanut butter, including that it’s minimally processed and typically contains just peanuts and salt (and sometimes, even the salt is left out). However, it has one major downside: oil separation. You know what we mean — that layer of oil sitting on top of the peanut butter when you…
No More Oily Mess
There’s a perfectly logical, scientific reason why natural peanut butter separates: The oil in the ground peanuts is lighter than the solids, so over time it rises to the top. The deeper you dig into the jar, the less oil is left in the peanuts, making the peanut butter dry and unappetizing. This is exactly why mass-market brands use so many stabilizers and emulsifiers — to prevent oil separation and keep the peanut butter spreadable.
If you’re tired of sticking a knife or spoon into the jar to stir it until it cooperates, take note: You can actually use the oil’s tendency to rise to your advantage. Make a point of buying your next jar of natural peanut butter or other nut butter at least a week before you’ll need to use it, and store the jar upside down. The oil will travel from the top of the jar (which is now the bottom) to the bottom of the jar (which is now the top). Some oil will be left behind to moisten and lubricate the peanut solids.
When you right the jar and open it, the process will repeat itself in the opposite direction. The peanut butter will basically mix itself, requiring no effort on your part.
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Tips To Keep Peanut Butter Spreadable
Depending on the extent of the peanut butter’s separation, you may need to repeat this process a few times before it’ll mix properly. Alternatively, you could scoop it out of the jar and use a food processor or stand mixer to thoroughly reincorporate the oil.
After the peanut butter is mixed and returned to the jar, flipping it upside down periodically will help prevent the oil from separating again. Keeping your jar in the fridge, which thickens the oil and slows the separation process, also helps. And if you don’t eat peanut butter regularly, this will keep it from going rancid before you finish the jar.
