November 28, 2024, 03:31:16 PM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Topic: Why does unsalted butter have a clear ring?  (Read 2404 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Babcock_Hall

  • Chemist
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5708
  • Mole Snacks: +330/-24
Why does unsalted butter have a clear ring?
« on: December 16, 2015, 10:35:10 AM »
A fellow chemist here asked me this, knowing that I like to cook.  It has a clear waxlike appearance on the periphery.  But I have no idea why it is there.  Could it be a preservative?
Logged

Offline Arkcon

  • Retired Staff
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 7367
  • Mole Snacks: +533/-147
Re: Why does unsalted butter have a clear ring?
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2015, 10:42:50 AM »
I've seen it too, mostly on very old butter.  I'm not sure what it is either.  Given that butter is a mixture of fats, water and some protein, maybe over time, it stratifies, and some subset of the fats rises to the surface?
Logged
Hey, I'm not judging.  I just like to shoot straight.  I'm a man of science.

Offline Intanjir

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 219
  • Mole Snacks: +45/-1
Re: Why does unsalted butter have a clear ring?
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2015, 11:24:07 AM »
Perhaps the water at the periphery is able to escape? Not really sure why the sodium content would matter that much though...
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »
Sponsored Links