Grocery
Unsalted Butter
What it is
This is a dairy product made from churning cream. It is a solid fat at room temperature and melts when heated. It is a staple in many kitchens for both cooking and baking. The absence of salt means its flavor is pure butter, allowing the cook to control the saltiness of the final dish.
How people cook with it
Butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of culinary applications.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Sauce making
- Spreading on toast
Unsalted butter can be melted to add richness to sauces or to grease pans for cooking. It is often creamed with sugar for baked goods, creating a tender crumb. It can also be used to finish dishes, adding a glossy sheen and smooth texture. When baking, using unsalted butter allows for precise control over the salt content of the final product, which is important for balancing flavors. It can be softened for easy mixing or used cold and cut into flour for flaky pastries.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike salted butter, this product contains no added salt. This difference is significant for bakers who need to carefully measure salt for optimal flavor and texture in their recipes. It also allows for a purer butter flavor to shine through in dishes where salt is added separately.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use unsalted butter for its versatility and flavor control.
How to keep the rest
To keep the rest of this butter fresh, store it in its original packaging in the refrigerator. For longer storage, it can be frozen. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator or freezer.