[60ml] unsalted butter
Rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, particularly in grass-fed varieties. Contains butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid with potential digestive benefits, though butter is calorie-dense at approximately 717 calories per 100 grams.
About
Unsalted butter is a dairy fat produced by churning cream or milk until the milk solids separate from the liquid buttermilk. Composed primarily of butterfat (80-82% fat content), water, and milk solids, unsalted butter contains no added sodium, allowing cooks to control salt levels in recipes with precision. The pale yellow color and rich, creamy flavor result from the natural carotenoid pigments in milk fat and the lactose and milk proteins present. Unsalted butter is preferred in baking and fine cooking where salt content must be carefully regulated, whereas salted varieties serve broader culinary purposes. The texture is smooth and spreadable at room temperature, becoming firm when chilled.
Culinary Uses
Unsalted butter serves as a foundational fat in baking, pastry work, and sauce-making, where its neutral salt profile allows bakers and chefs to balance flavors precisely. It is essential in laminated doughs (croissants, puff pastry, Danish pastry), where its solid consistency at cool temperatures creates distinct layers. In cooking, unsalted butter is used for sautéing vegetables, mounting sauces (beurre blanc, beurre noisette), and finishing dishes. Its lower salt content makes it the standard in French culinary technique and contemporary cooking, where ingredient ratios are critical.