Where does butter come from?

Butter is a soft yellow or white emulsion of butterfat, water and air that is churned from milk or cream. It is processed for use in cooking and as a food.

Butter is generally used as a spread and a condiment. It is also used in baking, sauce making and pan-frying. It is frequently made from cow milk, but it can also be manufactured from the milk of sheep, goats or other mammals. Salt, flavorings and preservatives are added to commercially sold butter. Butter remains a solid when refrigerated, but it softens at room temperature. It melts to a liquid consistency at 35 degrees Celsius or 95 degrees Fahrenheit.