Land O Lakes
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. Unsalted butter contains only butterfat, water, and milk solids. It does not contain added salt, which allows for greater control over the saltiness of dishes. The fat content is typically around 80-82%.
How people cook with it
Butter is a fundamental ingredient in many kitchens, used for both cooking and baking. Its rich flavor and texture enhance a wide variety of foods.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Spreading on toast
- Sauce bases
Unsalted butter can be used in numerous ways. In baking, it provides richness and structure to pastries, cakes, and cookies. When cooking, it adds flavor and helps to brown foods like meats and vegetables. It can be melted to create sauces or used to grease pans. For spreading, it softens at room temperature, making it easy to apply to bread or crackers. Its versatility makes it a staple for both sweet and savory preparations.
How it differs from similar foods
Unsalted butter differs from salted butter by the absence of added salt. This means bakers and cooks can precisely control the amount of salt in their recipes. Salted butter has a longer shelf life due to the preservative properties of salt, but unsalted butter offers a purer butter flavor.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use unsalted butter for its predictable flavor and texture in various culinary applications.
How to keep the rest
To store the remaining butter, wrap it tightly in its original packaging or plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated to maintain its firmness and freshness. For longer storage, it can be frozen, though it may slightly alter the texture upon thawing.