Why use a butter dish?
A butter dish is a container specifically designed to store butter at room temperature. While some people prefer to store their butter in the fridge, others find that having a butter dish on the counter is more convenient because it makes the butter soft and easy to spread.
When butter is kept in the fridge, it becomes hard and difficult to spread. This can be especially frustrating when you want to use the butter right away. Keeping a butter dish on the counter means that the butter is always soft and ready to use.
Choosing the right butter dish
Before learning how to store butter in a butter dish, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. There are a wide range of butter dishes available in different styles and materials.
One popular option is a traditional covered butter dish, which typically features a lid to keep the butter fresh and a shallow base to hold the butter. Another option is a butter crock, which uses a water seal to keep the butter fresh and prevent it from going rancid.
Storing butter in a covered dish
To store butter in a covered dish, first make sure the butter is at room temperature. Then, using a butter knife, pat the butter into the shallow base of the dish. Make sure the butter is evenly distributed in the dish, and then put the lid on top.
Store the dish on the counter or table, away from heat and direct sunlight. The butter should stay fresh for several days if stored properly.
Storing butter in a butter crock
To store butter in a butter crock, first soften the butter to room temperature. Then, pack the butter into the lid of the crock. Fill the bottom of the crock with cold water, making sure the water doesn’t touch the butter.
Place the lid with the butter on top of the crock, making sure it fits snugly but easily. The water seal will help to keep the butter fresh for several days.
Maintaining a butter dish
To prevent the butter from going rancid, it’s important to keep the butter dish clean. This means washing it after each use with warm, soapy water and allowing it to dry completely before using it again.
It’s also a good idea to keep the butter dish away from strong odors or foods that could taint the butter, such as garlic or onions. If you notice any signs of mold or discoloration on the butter, discard it immediately and wash the butter dish thoroughly.
