Cold butter

Description

Cold butter is a compact, light yellow mass with a delicate, buttery aroma and a creamy, slightly salty flavor; in its chilled form, it is hard and easy to cut or grate. This ingredient is primarily a source of fat and energy, and it also contains fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) as well as small amounts of fatty acids that are beneficial when consumed in moderation, which is why it is worth using it sparingly as part of a balanced diet. In the kitchen, cold butter is indispensable where structure and layering are important: for shortcrust pastry, puff pastry, crumble, cookies, or scones, and for quick rubbing into flour; it also works well as a base for cold flavored butters. It should be stored wrapped in the refrigerator, away from strong odors, ideally at around 4°C; it can be frozen for a long time (up to several months), thawing slowly in a cool place.