Online forums are filled with passionate debates on the best way to store butter—should you use a butter dish, a butter bell, or simply keep it sealed in the fridge?

While many settle for the common methods, there’s a lesser-known technique that could keep your butter fresh for much longer than you might expect.

Vlatka Lake, a storage expert at self-storage provider Space Station, shared with Express.co.uk her best method to extend the freshness of butter for a long time, and it uses just one trusty kitchen staple: foil.

According to Vlatka, butter is a delicate ingredient, sensitive to temperature, light, and external odours due to its high-fat content. These factors can quickly alter its flavour, texture, and overall quality.

“It’s important to understand the technicalities behind butter storage to make the best choice for your kitchen,” she explained.

Here are the top tips to keep butter fresh and delicious for longer:

Long-term storage (Up to a year)

For even longer storage, particularly if you want to keep butter fresh for several months or up to a year, Vlatka recommends wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

“Wrapping it prevents freezer burn and keeps out any odours,” she said.

This method ensures that the butter stays fresh and preserves its quality in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Short-term storage (Up to three months)

For those who prefer butter at room temperature, a butter bell can be an excellent choice. It uses water to create an airtight seal that helps keep butter fresh and spreadable at room temperature for up to a week.

However, Vlatka emphasised that it’s important to change the water daily and keep the butter bell out of direct sunlight and heat to maintain optimal freshness.

For those who use butter more sparingly or want to keep it fresh for a longer period, refrigeration remains the most reliable option.

Unsalted butter can last up to a month in the fridge when stored in an airtight container, while salted butter—thanks to the preservative properties of salt—can last up to three months.