Cooking Butter - Nutrients & Benefits - Culinary Uses - Types

Nutritional properties of Cooking Butter Energy :
900.00 Kcal / 100g

Category : Dairy Products

Group : Butter

Composition And Nutritional Value :
Cooking butter is typically made from cream, like regular butter, and contains about 80% butterfat. It is often formulated specifically for cooking and frying due to its ability to withstand higher heat than some other types of butter. Cooking butter may also contain added stabilizers or emulsifiers to improve its cooking performance. The butter is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, but it is still high in saturated fat. It is important to use cooking butter in moderation to prevent potential negative effects on heart health, especially if consumed in excess over time.

Health Benefits :
While cooking butter offers the same fat-soluble vitamins as regular butter, such as vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption, it is still high in saturated fats. Moderate consumption of saturated fat can be part of a healthy diet, but it is essential to balance it with healthier fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish. Cooking butter may have a slight edge in terms of stability for frying due to the added stabilizers, but it should still be used sparingly to avoid contributing to high cholesterol or other heart-related issues.

Culinary Uses :
Cooking butter is ideal for sautéing, pan-frying, or making sauces, as it provides a rich, creamy flavor that complements a wide variety of dishes. Its higher fat content allows it to withstand higher cooking temperatures without burning or smoking, making it a good option for recipes that require moderate heat. It can also be used to make roux for gravies or soups, as well as for finishing dishes like vegetables, seafood, or meats. While it is versatile, cooking butter is not usually recommended for high-heat cooking methods like deep frying, where oils with higher smoke points are better suited.

Types :
Cooking butter is often available in both salted and unsalted versions. Unsalted cooking butter is ideal for recipes where you want to control the amount of salt, especially in savory dishes. Salted cooking butter is used for added flavor in dishes where it’s used as a finishing butter or spread. There are also versions of cooking butter made from grass-fed cream, which are considered to have a richer flavor and provide higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K2. Some brands may also offer butter with added herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Shopping And Storage Tips :
When purchasing cooking butter, look for high-quality products that contain fresh cream and minimal additives. Some brands may offer specialized cooking butters with added ingredients like stabilizers to enhance their performance at higher temperatures. Be sure to choose between salted and unsalted varieties depending on your culinary needs. Store cooking butter in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from becoming too soft or spoiled. It can be kept in the freezer for longer-term storage. Always check the expiration date to ensure it is used while still fresh.