unsalted butter

Pure dairy fat (~80%) churned from cream without added salt — the baker's default for precise seasoning control, since salt levels in salted butter vary by brand. Its flavor is pure cream without the distraction of salt, letting the cook decide exact seasoning. Freshness matters more than in salted versions, since salt is a preservative; store unsalted butter refrigerated 1–2 months or frozen up to 6 months. Softened to cool room temperature (65°F), it creams air into cakes and cookies.