Grocery
Unsalted Butter
What it is
This is a dairy product made from churning cream. It is a solid fat at room temperature, but softens considerably when warm. Unsalted butter allows the cook to control the overall saltiness of a dish. It is a fundamental ingredient in many baked goods and a common finishing touch for savory dishes.
How people cook with it
Butter is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory cooking. It provides richness and helps bind ingredients together.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Sauces and glazes
- Spreading on toast
Butter can be melted and incorporated into batters for cakes, muffins, and quick breads. It is also essential for creating flaky pie crusts and tender cookies. In savory applications, it can be used to sauté aromatics like onions and garlic, or to enrich pan sauces and gravies. For finishing, a knob of butter can be stirred into cooked pasta or vegetables to add gloss and flavor. It is also a popular choice for greasing pans to prevent sticking.
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. Salted butter has a longer shelf life due to the preservative properties of salt.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs rely on butter for its flavor and functional properties in a wide range of culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, store any remaining butter in its original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods and maintain its freshness for several weeks.