Understanding the buttter basics

Butter is a dairy product made from churning* cream until the fat separates from the liquid (buttermilk). The fat content, usually around 80%, is a significant factor influencing both flavor and cooking outcomes.

BUTTER VARIETIES

• Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: Salted butter adds a hint of saltiness, ideal for spreading on bread or enhancing simple recipes. Unsalted butter grants complete control over the dish's salt levels, perfect for baking.

• European Butter: European butter is renowned for its higher fat content, delivering a creamier texture and richer taste, making it a luxury ingredient in gourmet recipes.

• Clarified Butter (Ghee): Used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines for generations, clarified butter is butter with the milk solids removed, leaving pure butterfat. Its high smoke point and nutty flavor make it a delightful choice for sautéing and frying.

• Cultured Butter: Explore the world of cultured butter with its delightful tangy flavor. Created by fermenting cream before churning, it adds a unique dimension to both sweet and savory dishes.

BUTTER PRODUCTS

• Flavored Butters: From garlic and herb-infused varieties to sweet honey and fruit blends, these butters add depth and excitement to any culinary creations.

• Grass-Fed Butter: For health-conscious individuals, grass-fed butter is a wholesome choice. Derived from cows fed on natural pastures, it boasts a higher content of beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

• Organic Butter: Free from synthetic pesticides and antibiotics, ensuring a pure and ethically sourced product.

PLANT-BASED BUTTER ALTERNATIVES

• Vegan Butter: Catering to lactose-intolerant individuals and vegans, this dairy-free option brings the joy of buttery goodness without compromise. Made from plant-based oils, vegan butter is a versatile substitute in cooking and baking.

• Nut-Based Butter: Almond, peanut, cashew, and more, these nut-based butters offer a delightful twist to traditional recipes.

The Butter Buying Guide

Master the art of choosing the perfect butter. Consider factors like intended use, fat content, and taste preferences. Understand butter grading and quality labels to ensure you're bringing home the best product for your culinary escapades.

TOP BUTTER BRANDS IN AMERICA

• Land O'Lakes: Land O'Lakes is a widely recognized brand known for its butter products. They offer a variety of options including salted, unsalted, and European-style butters.

• Kerrygold: Kerrygold is renowned for its high-quality Irish butter, made from the milk of grass-fed cows. It's often considered a premium option.

• Plugrá: Plugrá is another premium butter brand known for its European-style butter with a higher butterfat content. It's often favored by bakers and chefs.

• Challenge Dairy: Challenge Dairy offers a range of butter products, including salted, unsalted, and spreadable options. They emphasize using only the freshest cream.

• Organic Valley: If you're looking for organic options, Organic Valley provides butter made from organic, pasture-raised cows.

• Trader Joe's: Trader Joe's, a popular grocery store chain, also has its own brand of butter known for its affordability and quality.

• Horizon Organic: Horizon Organic offers organic butter from cows raised without antibiotics or added hormones.

• Great Value (Walmart): Walmart's Great Value brand includes butter options that are competitively priced.

WHEN COMPARING BUTTER BRANDS, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS

• Quality: Look for butter made from high-quality ingredients, which can impact flavor and texture.

• Salted vs. Unsalted: Some brands offer both salted and unsalted options. Consider your preference and how you plan to use the butter.

• Specialty Butters: European-style butters and grass-fed butter may have distinct characteristics and flavors.

• Organic and Ethical Considerations: If you prioritize organic or sustainably produced products, consider brands that align with your values.

• Price: Butter prices can vary widely. Consider the balance between quality and cost.

• Availability: Depending on your location, some brands may be more readily available than others.

BUTTER STORAGE & SHELF LIFE: PRESERVING FRESHNESS & QUALITY

Properly storing butter is essential to preserving its freshness, flavor, and quality. Butter is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, loved for its creamy texture and rich taste. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, understanding the best storage techniques can help you avoid spoilage and make the most of this versatile ingredient.

1. Refrigeration vs. Room Temperature

The debate between refrigeration and room temperature storage for butter is a common one. Both methods have their merits, but they serve different purposes.

• Refrigeration: Storing butter in the refrigerator is a safe way to extend its shelf life. However, cold temperatures can make butter hard and difficult to spread. To mitigate this, use a butter dish specifically designed to keep butter soft and spreadable, such as the Butter Bell.

• Room Temperature: Keeping butter at room temperature allows for easy spreading, making it ready for use in an instant. However, this method is best suited for short-term use, typically no longer than a week, to avoid spoilage.

2. Introducing the Butter Bell

The Butter Bell, a clever and elegant solution, provides the best of both worlds by allowing you to keep butter at room temperature while preventing spoilage. The two-piece ceramic design includes a base that holds water and a lid that holds the butter. Here's how it works:

• Freshness Seal: The water-filled base creates an airtight seal with the butter-filled lid, effectively keeping air and contaminants out.

• Room Temperature Storage: The Butter Bell can be kept on your kitchen countertop, ensuring that your butter remains spreadable and fresh for up to 30 days.

3. Extending Shelf Life

To maximize the shelf life of butter, consider the following tips:

• Quality Matters: Start with high-quality butter made from fresh cream. Quality butter has a lower moisture content, which helps extend its shelf life.

• Keep It Sealed: If not using a Butter Bell, tightly wrap butter in its original packaging or use an airtight container to prevent contact with air and other odors.

• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent temperatures. If you opt for room temperature storage, be mindful of the temperature in your kitchen. Avoid placing butter near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

4. Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, butter can eventually spoil. Watch out for these signs:

• Off Odor: If butter develops an unusual or rancid odor, it's time to discard it.

• Change in Color or Texture: Spoiled butter might become discolored or exhibit a change in texture, appearing slimy or grainy.

• Unpleasant Taste: If butter tastes sour or unpleasant, it has likely gone bad.

Did you learn something about butter today? I hope you have. In creating this Butter Guide I enjoyed diving into the delightful journey into the world of butter, revealing its secrets and unraveling the mystery we found ourselves when in the butter aisle. 

As a home cook, I now have a deeper appreciation for the magic that butter brings to my cuisine and its remarkable versatility in enhancing both sweet and savory dishes. Now go on and explore the butterfly world!