Grocery
Unsalted Butter
What it is
This is a block of unsalted butter. It is solid at room temperature but softens and melts when heated. Unsalted butter allows the cook to control the amount of salt in a dish. It is a staple in many kitchens for both sweet and savory preparations.
How people cook with it
Butter is a versatile ingredient used in countless culinary applications. It adds richness and flavor to both baked goods and cooked dishes.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Sauces and gravies
- Spreading on toast
Unsalted butter can be used in a variety of ways. For baking, it is often creamed with sugar to create a light and airy texture. It can also be melted and added to batters or used to grease pans. In savory cooking, butter is excellent for sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, or for finishing sauces and pan-fried meats to add a glossy sheen and rich flavor. It can be browned to create a nutty aroma for certain dishes.
How it differs from similar foods
Unsalted butter differs from salted butter by the absence of added salt. This distinction is important for bakers who need precise control over the salt content in their recipes. Salt can affect the texture and browning of baked goods. For general cooking, the difference is often minimal, but unsalted offers more flexibility.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use unsalted butter when precise salt control is desired.
How to keep the rest
To store the remaining butter, wrap it tightly in its original packaging or in parchment paper. Keep it in the refrigerator to maintain its firmness. For longer storage, butter can be frozen, which helps preserve its freshness for several months.