I'll give you a lowdown on what to look for when shopping. I'll also share some alternative options for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
I. History of Butter
According to "Butter Journal," butter has roots in ancient Rome, India, and Europe. Discovered by accident, it was used for special events, religious offerings, and medicine. Over time, religious rules and diet changes made using butter harder, leading to alternatives like margarine. However, recent studies show natural butter can be healthier. Today, the butter industry evolves, blending tradition with modern tastes and health considerations.
The possibilities for butter seem endless. Brands like Kerrygold and Plugrá are known for their high-quality product made from cream from grass-fed cows, giving it a deeper, more complex flavor. The fat content is key to awesome butter, but more on that later.
Butter is essential in many recipes, adding richness and flavor to dishes, and a key component in classic sauces like hollandaise, beurre blanc, and beurre noir. Butter also adds moisture and tenderness to baked goods, making them more flavorful and irresistible. Plus, it can be used as a cooking fat with its high smoke point, perfect for sautéing, frying, and browning meats. Its versatility in the kitchen is unmatched, and you can use it in both sweet and savory dishes.
II. How butter is Made
Butter production begins with collecting fresh milk and pasteurizing it for safety. The cream is separated from the milk and allowed to ripen for flavor development. The cream is then churned, causing fat globules to stick together, separating butterfat from buttermilk. The butter is washed, kneaded, and shaped into blocks or logs. By transforming cream into butter through this process, we can enjoy it in various dishes and recipes.
III. Different Types
- Salted Butter: This type of butter contains added salt, which acts as a preservative and enhances its flavor. Salted butter is commonly used as a spread or topping.
- Unsalted Butter: Also known as "sweet butter," it does not contain added salt, making it ideal for baking as it allows for better control over the amount of salt in a recipe.
- Clarified Butter: This butter is made by heating and straining butter to remove milk solids and water. Clarified butter has a higher smoke point, making it great for cooking at high temperatures.
- Cultured Butter: Made by fermenting cream before churning, cultured butter has a tangy flavor and a silky texture. It's popular in European-style baking.
- European-style Butter: With a higher butterfat content (at least 82%), European-style butter has a richer flavor and creamier texture, making it ideal for baking flaky pastries and creating creamy sauces.
- Grass-fed Butter: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, this type of butter has a deeper yellow color, richer flavor, and higher levels of healthy fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Ghee: A type of clarified butter commonly used in Indian cuisine, ghee has a nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it great for cooking and frying.
- Plant-based Butter: Made from plant-based sources like coconut, olive, or avocado oil, this alternative is suitable for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
- Whipped Butter: This butter is made by whipping air into butter, resulting in a light, fluffy texture that is easily spreadable. Whipped butter can be salted or unsalted and is often used as a spread or topping.
- Spreadable Butter: Also known as "soft butter," this type is a mixture of butter and oil, making it easier to spread, especially when refrigerated. Spreadable butter can also contain other ingredients for added flavor and texture.
IV. Alternatives
If you'd like to get some alternatives, you can check out this list to get you started:
- Margarine: A common butter substitute, but check labels for partially hydrogenated oils, which may contain trans fats.
- Olive Oil: A healthy alternative with a distinct flavor, suitable for cooking and baking.
- Coconut Oil: A versatile option that can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a butter replacement, but may impart a coconut flavor.
- Vegan Butter: Plant-based options made from ingredients like coconut oil, soy milk, and nutritional yeast, suitable for lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
- Shortening: A solid fat made from vegetable oils, commonly used in baking for its high melting point.
- Mashed Fruits: Mashed bananas, applesauce, or pureed pumpkin can replace butter in some baking recipes, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- Ghee: A clarified butter with a high smoke point and nutty flavor, suitable for lactose intolerance as it contains minimal amounts of lactose.
- Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used as a healthy, dairy-free spread alternative, providing creaminess and nutrients.
V. Water Content?
Sometimes, the label doesn't say how much water is in the butter. When that happens, we can guess that it's about 20% or more water. But, if you find a butter with a high fat content, like 82%, that usually means it's better quality. Kerrygold and Plugrá are examples of European-style butters with high fat content.Using butter with a lot of water, like some American butters that have 20% or more, can make your baked goods turn out differently because the butter melts too fast. For best results, try to find butter with 16% water or less. That way, your cooking and baking will have the right texture and taste.
VI. The Importance of Butter in the Kitchen
Butter is not only tasty, but also very helpful in cooking and baking. It makes sauces richer and creamier, and can give them a smooth, velvety feel. In baking, butter helps make pastries flaky and moist. It also adds flavor to dishes like sautéed veggies, steak, and seafood.Butter is great for controlling the temperature in some recipes, which is important for making layers in croissants or puff pastries. It also helps ingredients stick together in sauces like hollandaise and béarnaise. And when you brown butter, it gives your food a nutty flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color.No matter if you're a chef or just love cooking at home, butter is an ingredient that you should always have in your kitchen. It makes your dishes taste better and look more beautiful.
VII. Which Butter Do I Get?
When it comes to selecting the right butter, it depends on your preferences and the specific recipe you're making. Here are some general guidelines to help:
- European-style butter: With a higher fat content (around 82%), European-style butters like Kerrygold or Plugrá offer richer flavor and creamier texture. Choose this option when making pastries or sauces for a luxurious product.
- Unsalted butter: For greater control over the amount of salt in your recipe, go with unsalted butter. This is especially useful in baking, where you need precise measurements.
- Grass-fed butter: If you prioritize nutritional quality, I would consider grass-fed butter. They offer higher levels of healthy fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Plant-based butter: For those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, plant-based butter alternatives are great without compromising on taste.
No matter which type of butter you choose, remember to store it properly and use it by its expiration date for the best results in your cooking and baking. At the end of the day, your preferences will help you choose the best type of butter (or alternative) for you.
VIII. Conclusion
Butter is an essential ingredient in many kitchens, adding rich flavor and texture to dishes like sauces and baked goods. When shopping for butter, look for high-quality brands that are organic, non-GMO, and made from cream from grass-fed cows. Brands like Kerrygold and Plugrá are known for producing butter with a deeper, more complex flavor. Additionally, there are alternative options available for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, such as margarine, olive oil, coconut oil, and vegan butter. And don't forget to consider the water content, as it can make a difference in the results of your recipe.
I hope this info helps you when cooking!
Itzia