260 MANUAL OF MILK PRODUCTS 



8. Considerable moisture is lost during the storage of butter. 

 This loss is controlled by the salt content of the butter and by 

 the thoroughness of moisture incorporation. Unsalted butter 

 loses very little, if any, moisture in storage. The more salt the 

 butter contains, the greater is the loss of moisture in storage. 

 Butter in which the moisture is properly incorporated loses less 

 moisture than butter with a loose and leaky body. 



9. The accuracy of the results of moisture determinations 

 by the butter-maker depends on the preparation of the sample, 

 the sensitiveness, condition, and manipulation of the balance, 

 and the carefulness and judgment of the operator in making 

 the test. Most of the moisture tests now available for the use 

 of the butter-maker are satisfactory and yield reasonably 

 accurate results if manipulated according to directions. 



WORKING THE BUTTER 



After the butter has been washed and the salt evenly dis- 

 tributed over the granular mass, it should be carefully worked. 

 The purpose of working is threefold: (1), thoroughly to in- 

 corporate the salt through the butter : (2), to remove any excess 

 of buttermilk or water ; and (3), to give the butter a compact, 

 close-textured, firm body. The amount of working necessary to 

 accomplish these objects will depend on the conditions. If the 

 butter granules are rather small and the salt has been evenly 

 distributed, less working will be required than if the butter is 

 in larger lumps. The temperature and hardness of the butter- 

 fat and the quality of the salt will affect the time required for 

 its going completely into solution, which is very important 

 in order to prevent the butter showing a mottled appearance 

 after it is printed or packed. The amount of working will 

 affect the body of the finished product ; for, while it is important 

 that the butter should be worked sufficiently to give it a firm, 

 even body, over-working will break down the body and give a 



