QUALITY ASSURANCE Butter, that sweet and creamy dairy product, can enhance the flavor of many of your favorite foods. It can do this, however, only if the butter is of high quality-and one way to be assured of this quality is to look for the U.S. Department of Agriculture grade shield on the package. The USDA grade shield (AA, A, or B) means that the butter has been tested for you by experienced Government graders and that it has been produced in an approved plant under exacting sanitary conditions. Butter grading is provided to manufacturers by USDA's Consumer and Marketing Service on a voluntary, fee-for-service basis. GRADES WHAT THEY MEAN AND The U.S. grade shield is usually found on the main panel of the butter package, but may be shown on the side or end panel. U.S. Grade AA and Grade A are the quality ratings most often seen. U.S. Grade B butter is sold in some areas, though. You can choose the quality of butter to suit your purpose if you choose by grade. Here is what the official U.S. grades mean: Flavor-determined by taste and aroma-is one of the most important factors in grading butter. Body, texture, and color are also rated in accordance with the requirements for grade set forth in official USDA standards. Butter samples are placed into sterile jars for laboratory tests on the product's keeping qualities. HOW TO STORE Because of its delicate flavor and aroma, butter is sensitive to strong-flavored foods. To keep your butter at its peak of quality, follow these simple hints: 1. Store in original protective wrapping or container until ready for use. 2. Butter not intended for use within 2 or 3 days should be frozen. Frozen butter will maintain its quality for 2 months. 3. For "ready spreadability" keep a few days' supply in the regular portion of your refrigerator. Remove 10 to 15 minutes before use. HOW TO USE Butter adds flavor to cooked vegetables and, of course, is superb on hot bread and rolls. But why not use it for enhancing other foods as well? |