Peanut Butter, Refrigerate or Not?

**Intrepid_Timer** · 10-20-2010, 10:38 PM

This might shed some light on why you might want to refrigerate it:

Peanuts are prone to a fungus that produces a carcinogen called aflatoxin, which continues to multiply even in the jar. The fungicide-free peanuts in organic peanut butter may have higher levels of aflatoxin than conventional, especially if the jar’s been on the shelf for a while, but organic farmers claim that their farming methods naturally reduce the amount of fungus to begin with. In other words: The jury’s still out. If you do buy organic, make sure you’re buying from a store with a high turnover and refrigerate it immediately — cold retards aflatoxin’s growth. A recent study found the highest levels of aflatoxin in freshly ground peanut butter from health food stores,

**Frixxxx** · 10-20-2010, 10:48 PM

I keep my Peanut Butter in my chocolate.....no refridgeration required!!

**Afishegg** · 10-20-2010, 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by Frixxxx

I keep my Peanut Butter in my chocolate.....no refridgeration required!!

Get real!

**Intrepid_Timer** · 10-20-2010, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by Frixxxx

I keep my Peanut Butter in my chocolate.....no refridgeration required!!

You sure you don't keep your chocolate on your peanut butter?

**WorkFE** · 10-20-2010, 11:31 PM

I'm pretty sure some of the PB in my old MRE's was at least 5 years old. Fairly confident it was not refrigerated.

I'm still here.

By the way just about all store bought PB contains trace amounts of aflatoxin. Just sayin.

**Viva_La_Migra** · 10-20-2010, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by Intrepid_Trader

This might shed some light on why you might want to refrigerate it:

Peanuts are prone to a fungus that produces a carcinogen called aflatoxin, which continues to multiply even in the jar. The fungicide-free peanuts in organic peanut butter may have higher levels of aflatoxin than conventional, especially if the jar’s been on the shelf for a while, but organic farmers claim that their farming methods naturally reduce the amount of fungus to begin with. In other words: The jury’s still out. If you do buy organic, make sure you’re buying from a store with a high turnover and refrigerate it immediately — cold retards aflatoxin’s growth. A recent study found the highest levels of aflatoxin in freshly ground peanut butter from health food stores,

I don't think you can use the word "retards" anymore.

**nnuut** · 10-20-2010, 11:44 PM

Peanut Butter in the Frig (can get rancid) , Syrup on the shelf!

**Intrepid_Timer** · 10-20-2010, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by Viva La Migra

I don't think you can use the word "retards" anymore.

LMBO! I was thinking "what the heck are you talking about?"............had to reread it!!!

**Frixxxx** · 10-21-2010, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by Viva La Migra

I don't think you can use the word "retards" anymore.

Too funny

VLM gets props!

**Buster** · 10-21-2010, 02:19 AM

VLM..you so funny...

If I could, I would inject peanut butter because it is the best comfort food in the world..I don't think a jar on my shelf lasts longer than 5 days anyways and that is why I buy it rarely....I've been consuming mass quantities right out of the jar with only a spoon, for at least a hundred years now and never refrigerated (I get the no trans fat kind now)..But I think this would work great as a costume in the "march for keeping fear alive" thread..

BUT, unless there is a credible and verifiable link to back up this claim (as I have been rudely reminded to do every time I leave out a reference link in my posts) ..I say

**nnuut** · 10-21-2010, 01:02 PM

JIF Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I keep Jif on my shelf?>> Hide answer Unopened and stored in a cool dry area, Jif peanut butter will last for about 2 years. After opening, you can keep it about three months on the pantry shelf.

2. Do I need to refrigerate Jif?>> Hide answer In the first three months after opening, Jif peanut butter doesn't require refrigeration. If your family doesn't gobble Jif up by then, you may want to refrigerate the peanut butter to help prevent flavor loss.

http://www.jif.com/About/Faq

**nnuut** · 10-21-2010, 01:11 PM

Refrigerator Storage Chart

reproduced from US Food & Drug Administration

Peanut butter, processed------------ 6 months;-------------- refrigerate after 3 months
http://www.howmanydaysago.com/foodGuide.php