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 and melts when heated. This particular butter has no added salt, which allows for greater control over the final flavor of your dishes. It is a staple ingredient in many kitchens around the world.
How people cook with it
Butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory cooking applications. It adds richness and flavor to a wide range of foods.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Making sauces
- Spreading on toast
Unsalted butter can be melted to grease pans or add moisture to batters. It can be creamed with sugar for baked goods, creating a tender crumb. It is also excellent for pan-frying, where it imparts a golden color and a distinct flavor to meats and vegetables. When making sauces, butter can be used as a base or whisked in at the end to add gloss and body. Its neutral flavor profile makes it ideal for recipes where you want to control the salt content precisely.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike salted butter, unsalted butter does not contribute any additional sodium to a dish. This is beneficial for bakers who want to precisely manage the salt level in their recipes. It also tends to be fresher as salt acts as a preservative.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use unsalted butter to achieve specific flavor profiles in their culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
To keep the remaining butter fresh, store it in its original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan to store it for an extended period, freezing is an option. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.