Butter — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

When selecting butter, consider its color and texture. It should be uniformly pale yellow or cream, suggesting high-quality cream was used. The butter should be firm at room temperature yet not overly hard, which signifies proper storage.

Reject butter that is too soft or oily, likely due to mishandling or exposure to heat. Quality butter offers a clean, fresh taste with just a subtle creamy undertone, free from any off-flavors.

Butter should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. If you need to keep it for an extended period, freezing is a good option. Properly stored butter can last for several months.

Leaving butter at room temperature for too long can cause it to spoil. Do not store butter near strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator, as it can absorb odors. Keeping it in its original packaging or an airtight container helps preserve its flavor.

Butter can last for 1-3 months in the refrigerator. For longer storage, butter can be frozen for up to 6-9 months. Ensure it is tightly wrapped to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator or freezer.

Leftover butter can be used in a wide range of recipes. Use it to make a compound butter by mixing it with herbs, garlic, or citrus zest, perfect for spreading on bread or melting over meats and vegetables. Butter is also essential in baking, where it can be used in cakes, cookies, and pastries.

Melt butter and drizzle it over popcorn for a delicious snack, or use it as the base for a sauce like beurre blanc or hollandaise. If you have a lot of butter, consider using it to make homemade caramel or butterscotch sauce for desserts. Butter can also be used to sauté vegetables or added to mashed potatoes for a rich, creamy texture. For a quick flavor boost, melt butter and mix it with spices to drizzle over grilled meats or seafood.