Grocery
Unsalted Butter
What it is
This is a block of unsalted butter, a dairy product made by churning cream. It is a solid fat at room temperature but softens and melts when heated. Unsalted butter allows the cook to control the saltiness of a dish. It is a fundamental ingredient in many baked goods and cooking applications.
How people cook with it
Butter is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory cooking. It adds richness and flavor to a wide range of dishes.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Making sauces
- Spreading on toast
For baking, butter is often creamed with sugar to create a light and airy base for cakes and cookies. It can also be melted and incorporated into batters or used to grease baking pans. In savory cooking, butter is excellent for sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, or for finishing pan sauces and vegetables, adding a glossy sheen and luxurious mouthfeel. It can also be used to make compound butters, infused with herbs or spices, for serving with grilled meats or seafood.
How it differs from similar foods
Unsalted butter differs from salted butter by the absence of added salt. This distinction is important for bakers and cooks who need precise control over the salt content in their recipes, especially in delicate pastries where salt levels can significantly impact flavor and texture.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs rely on butter for its essential role in creating delicious food.
How to keep the rest
To store the remaining butter, wrap it tightly in its original packaging or parchment paper. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for several weeks.