Should You Refrigerate Ghee or Keep It at Room Temp?

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How to store ghee—and how to know if it’s gone bad

Co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: September 16, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Do you have to refrigerate ghee?
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• Pros & Cons of Refrigeration
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• Signs of Spoilage
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• Video

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Ghee is a delicious and versatile ingredient for cooking—but how exactly should you store it? Is it okay to keep at room temperature, or does it need to be refrigerated? Don’t worry, we have everything you need to know about whether (and when) you should refrigerate ghee.

Ghee's Shelf Life Explained

Chef Jeff Woodward explains that you can store ghee at room temperature in a sealed container for up to three months, or in the fridge for up to a year. Ghee can go rancid if exposed to air or moisture. If you're not sure whether your ghee is still good, check for mold, discoloration, or a bad smell or taste.

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Section 1 of 3:

Do you have to refrigerate ghee?

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1. 
   No, ghee does not have to be refrigerated. Personal chef Markeicha Dulaney says, "The milk solids have been removed from ghee." This creates a shelf-stable oil that you can store at room temperature, as long as it’s kept in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. That said, you can refrigerate ghee to extend its shelf life.

   • At room temperature, ghee can last for 3–6 months if it’s been opened or 12 months or more if it’s unopened.
   • In the refrigerator, ghee can last for 6–12 months if it’s been opened and 12 months or more unopened.
   • In the freezer ghee may stay good for more than a year.
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Section 2 of 3:

Pros & Cons of Refrigerating Ghee

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1. 
   1
   Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of ghee. Unopened ghee can last 12 months or more at room temperature. But once it’s been opened, it’s usually only good for about 3–6 months. Putting an opened container of ghee in the refrigerator may extend the shelf life for up to 12 months.

   • To prolong the shelf life of your ghee, keep the jar sealed tightly and use clean, dry utensils to scoop it out of the container.
2. 
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   Refrigeration may change the flavor, aroma, and texture of ghee. If ghee is refrigerated, you may notice that its flavor and aroma are a little muted. The texture will also change—it will become solid like butter, but will be a little grainy. Refrigerated ghee can be harder to scoop out of the container, which is why many people prefer to keep it at room temperature.

   • After the ghee warms to room temperature, its flavor, aroma, and texture should all return to normal.
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Section 3 of 3:

How do you know if ghee is still good?

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1. 
   Spoiled ghee will smell or taste sour and may look yellow. Moisture can cause bacteria to grow in ghee, and heat and light can lead to oxidation. These can all cause the ghee to go rancid. If your ghee spoils, it may:

   • Have a sour or “off” smell
   • Taste sour
   • Look white or have an uneven color
   • Take on an odd grainy texture
   • Develop mold

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