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For bakers and those who often cook, unsalted butter is likely a familiar ingredient. It’s an important component, along with sugar and cream, that helps create delicious baked goods. Join Kamereo Blog to explore more about this type of butter in the following article!
What is Unsalted Butter? What is Unsalted Butter Called?
Unsalted butter is a type of butter that does not contain salt, has a slightly sweet but mild flavor, and has a light fragrance. This product is made from cow’s milk or the milk of other animals such as goats, sheep, etc., by churning fermented cream until the water separates. Because of its mild sweetness, unsalted butter is often used to balance flavors in baking. This type of butter was introduced from France to Vietnam in the late 19th century, and the Vietnamese often refer to it as “beurre.”
In addition to unsalted butter made from animal milk, there is also unsalted butter made from vegan ingredients like beans, grains, and other plant-based foods. Unsalted butter is commonly used in cooking and baking as a substitute for animal fats. This plant-based butter is popular in vegetarian cuisine and can convert into saturated fat when exposed to high temperatures.
Nutritional Composition of Unsalted Butter
After learning what unsalted butter is, let’s delve deeper into its nutritional composition.
Unsalted butter has a high fat content of about 80% and contains many other nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, K, protein, and calcium. Unsalted butter provides a significant amount of fat, mainly saturated fat. It also contains a small amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, unsalted butter typically does not contain much protein or carbohydrates.
Read more: How many calories in unsalted butter? Is unsalted butter fatty?
What Are the Uses of Unsalted Butter?
In addition to wondering what unsalted butter is, many people are curious about its uses. This product is widely used in making various types of baked goods, such as cupcakes, cream puffs, butter sponge cakes, butter cookies, etc. Unsalted butter adds a delicious, rich flavor and appealing color to baked goods.
Particularly, the fat in unsalted butter reduces the formation of gluten in dough, making the baked goods softer and fluffier. This product is also used to make buttercream for cake decoration, replacing traditional whipping cream or topping cream. Moreover, butter can be used to prevent sticking when baking or frying in some specific cases.
How to Use Unsalted Butter for Baking
Unsalted butter is a popular ingredient that enhances the flavor of baked goods, making them rich, moist, and smooth. To use unsalted butter correctly in baking, you need to consider the following steps:
Choose the Right Unsalted Butter: Select the unsalted butter that matches your baking recipe.
Soften the Butter: Unsalted butter should be softened before use to easily mix with other ingredients. You can do this by flattening the butter and leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving it for 10 to 15 seconds.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: Mix butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Other Ingredients: Continue adding other ingredients, mixing gently to avoid breaking the air bubbles, ensuring even rising of the baked goods.
Baking: Finally, bake the goods at the appropriate temperature.
How to Store Unsalted Butter for Long-Term Use
Unsalted butter is a high-fat food, so it needs to be stored properly to avoid spoilage. Below are some storage methods to help you use it for a longer period:
- Room Temperature: Unsalted butter can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, this is not recommended as butter can melt and spoil easily.
- Refrigerator: Storing butter in the refrigerator is the most common method. When stored in the refrigerator, it can last for about 2-3 weeks. Ensure to wrap the butter tightly in foil or plastic bags before refrigerating. You can also place it in an airtight food container.
- Freezer: Storing butter in the freezer allows it to be used for a longer period, around 3-6 months. Before freezing, cut the butter into small pieces and wrap them in foil, plastic bags, or airtight food containers.
How to Make Unsalted Butter at Home
You can easily make unsalted butter at home with a taste comparable to store-bought products by following this simple recipe:
Ingredients Preparation:
- Fresh milk (30% fat): 240 ml
- Large mixing bowl
- Specialized egg beater
- Crushed ice
Making Unsalted Butter:
Pour the milk into a wide-mouthed pot, cover it, and leave it for about 12 hours. A thick layer of cream will form on the surface. Use a spoon to scoop out this cream, which will be used to make butter.
Store the cream at room temperature for about 7-8 hours to let it naturally ferment and thicken with a slight sour smell.
Place the fermented cream into a sterilized large mixing bowl and beat it at high speed until it thickens and separates (about 2-3 minutes). Start beating at high speed and gradually lower the speed to prevent the liquid from splashing out.
The resulting product is butter, while the remaining liquid is thin and milky. Pour the butter into a clean bowl and press with a spoon to extract all the remaining liquid.
Add finely crushed ice to the butter and beat with the mixer for about 1 minute, then drain the excess water. Repeat this process 2-3 times until all the water is removed from the butter. The final product is rich, creamy unsalted butter.
Popular Types of Unsalted Butter
Currently, there are many types of unsalted butter available on the market, with varying prices. Below are some popular unsalted butter brands that are favored by consumers and restaurants:
Anchor Unsalted Butter
Produced in New Zealand, made from fresh cream from cows raised under high standards. Anchor Unsalted Butter stands out with a high Caroten content, beneficial for consumer health, and has a high-fat content of up to 82.9%, offering a smooth, creamy taste.
Bơ Lạt Anchor 5kg
Xuất xứ: New Zealand
Bảo quản: Tủ lạnh
Định lượng: 5kg
Giá: 1.299.000 VND
Bơ Lạt Tấm Anchor 1kg
Xuất xứ: New Zealand
Bảo quản: Tủ lạnh
Định lượng: 1kg
Giá: 325.000 VND
TH True Butter
An affordable option in Vietnam, with a fat content of about 80.5%, made from fresh milk from TH farms combined with natural fermentation, providing a unique taste.
Bơ Lạt Tự Nhiên TH True Butter 200g
Xuất xứ: Vietnam
Bảo quản: Tủ lạnh
Định lượng: 200g
Giá: 57.000 VND
Organic Valley Unsalted Butter
A high-quality organic product from the USA, made from grass-fed cows, offering a natural, sweet flavor with a high nutritional value.
Président Unsalted Butter
Made from 100% fresh cow’s milk from Normandy, France, with a fat content of 82%, providing a rich taste while maintaining a light texture.
Elle & Vire Unsalted Butter
Produced in France, made from fresh cream with a fat content of 60%, suitable for sweet pastries and bread.
Price List of Unsalted Butter
Here is a price list of common unsalted butter brands in Vietnam for a standard 250g pack (as of November 2023):
Brand | Price (VND) |
Anchor | 81,250 |
Président | 88,750 |
Elle & Vire | 93,125 |
TH True Butter | 71,250 |
Organic Valley | 345,000 |
Where to Buy Quality Unsalted Butter
If you’re wondering where to buy reliable unsalted butter, Kamereo is a trustworthy option. Kamereo specializes in providing high-quality, clean food to businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores. Kamereo has a professional delivery team and a modern transportation system, ensuring timely delivery as promised. The platform also supports customers with transportation costs, making it suitable for large orders.
Tips for Using Unsalted Butter
Unsalted butter adds delicious flavor, richness, and moisture to dishes. However, you should keep in mind the following when using this product:
- Choose the right type of unsalted butter according to your recipe.
- Store unsalted butter at a cool temperature of around 4-7 degrees Celsius to prevent melting or spoilage.
- For baking, use unsalted butter at room temperature to mix well with other ingredients, creating a smooth, fluffy product.
- If making sponge cakes, cream the butter with sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy for a light, airy cake.
- For cookies, spread butter on the surface before baking to create a crispy, flavorful product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unsalted Butter
To better understand what unsalted butter is, here are some common questions:
What is unsalted butter used for? Unsalted butter is used to add richness, flavor, and moisture to dishes. It is widely used in baking, making buttercream, and spreading on bread.
Can unsalted butter be eaten raw? Yes, unsalted butter can be eaten raw. However, it is usually used in cooking or baking.
Is unsalted butter vegan? Unsalted butter is usually made from animal milk. However, there are vegan versions of unsalted butter made from plant-based ingredients.
Where can I buy unsalted butter? Unsalted butter can be found at supermarkets, grocery stores, and online retailers.
Conclusion
Now that you know what unsalted butter is, its nutritional content, and its uses, you’re well-equipped to choose the right type for your cooking needs. Unsalted butter is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavor and texture of your dishes.
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