Grocery
Unsalted Butter
What it is
This is a dairy product made from churning cream or milk. It is a solid fat at room temperature but softens and melts when heated. Unsalted butter contains only milk fat and a small amount of water. It is a staple in many kitchens due to its versatility in both sweet and savory cooking applications.
How people cook with it
Butter is a fundamental ingredient for adding richness and flavor to a wide range of dishes. It can be used in baking, sautéing, or simply spread on toast.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Sauces and gravies
- Spreading on bread
Unsalted butter is a versatile ingredient. In baking, it provides structure, tenderness, and flavor to pastries, cakes, and cookies. When sautéing, it helps to brown ingredients and adds a rich mouthfeel. It can also be melted and used as a finishing element for dishes like steamed vegetables or pasta, or incorporated into sauces and gravies to create a smooth, emulsified texture. Its mild flavor makes it a good choice when you want to control the salt content of your dish.
How it differs from similar foods
Unsalted butter differs from salted butter by the absence of added salt. This allows the cook to precisely control the amount of salt in a recipe. It also has a slightly sweeter, purer dairy flavor compared to its salted counterpart, which can be beneficial in delicate baked goods.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use unsalted butter for its flavor and baking properties.
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 and prevent spoilage. For longer storage, it can be frozen, though it may slightly alter its texture upon thawing.