What is the Queen of Butter, "Échiré Butter"? Enjoy AOP-certified fermented butter from France!

What is Echire butter? The appeal of fermented butter from France

Echire butter has been produced in the village of Echire in central-western France since 1894. This special butter is loved by three-star chefs and top pastry chefs around the world and is also known as the "Queen of Butters."

It has a creamy texture and mellow aroma that is different from regular butter. What is the secret behind this? In this article, we will introduce you to the basics of Echire butter, as well as how to store it and use it effectively

Characteristics of Echire butter as fermented butter

Échire butter is a type of "fermented butter." While regular butter is made by kneading cream as is, fermented butter is made by lactic acid fermentation of cream

This fermentation process creates a light yogurt-like acidity and rich aroma. The richness and depth of flavor that spreads the moment you put it in your mouth is the unique appeal of fermented butter

Furthermore, Echire butter is made only from milk from dairy cows that are fed on high-quality pastures grown in the rich limestone soil of central-western France and the warm climate of the Atlantic coast. By kneading the butter in a wooden churn (mixer), which is rare these days, it creates a soft and smooth texture that cannot be achieved with stainless steel

The difference between regular butter and Echire butter

What is Echire Butter AOP Certification?

Echire butter is one of the few butters in France that has been awarded the EU's AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) designation

AOP is a certification given by the EU to protect traditional agricultural products from specific regions, and is only given to products that meet all strict regulations regarding the production area, ingredients, manufacturing process, etc. In the case of Échiré butter, strict standards are set, such as only using milk from cows on dairy farms within a 50km radius of the factory, and ensuring a certain amount of grazing land per cow

This certification guarantees consistent quality and flavor no matter which lot you purchase

Types of Echire butter and how to choose them

There are several types of Echire butter available. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences

We recommend unsalted for making sweets and bread salted for everyday use or when you want to enjoy the flavor

How to store Echire butter

Echire butter is characterized by its delicate flavor, so if you take a little care in how you store it, it will stay delicious for longer

When storing in the refrigerator, it is best to store it in the chilled or vegetable compartment of the refrigerator before opening. Storing it near strong-smelling foods can transfer the aroma, so be sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After opening, we recommend re-wrapping it to minimize the surface area exposed to air, and using it as soon as possible.

it all right away, you can also freeze it. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, wrap it in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag and freeze it. When you're ready to use it, defrost it slowly in the refrigerator to prevent the flavor from changing.

Where can I buy Echire butter? Things to check when buying

Echire butter can be purchased at the grocery section of department stores, supermarkets that sell imported foods, specialty supermarkets such as Seijo Ishii, and online

Points to check when purchasing

• Best before date : Butter can lose its flavor over time, so try to choose butter with a long shelf life.
• Package condition : Echire butter comes in its own wrapper. Avoid packages that are wet or deformed.
• Check whether it is salted or unsalted : If the packaging says "demi-sel," it is salted, and if it says "doux," it is unsalted.
• AOP mark : Genuine products have the AOP certification mark.

If you are purchasing online, it is safe to check that the product is refrigerated air freight or from an authorized import agent

To enjoy Echire butter even more: Recommended uses

To enjoy the full flavor of Echire butter, it's best to use it simply

• Spread on freshly baked toast : This is the best way to enjoy the flavor of the butter itself. If you let it come to room temperature a little before spreading it, it will spread more smoothly.
• For pasta sauce : Just add a sprinkle at the end to add a richer flavor to your dish.
• For making sweets and bread : You can really tell the difference when using it in sweets where the flavor of butter is crucial, such as cookies, financiers, and croissants.
• Gifts : Stylish baskets and gift sets make great gifts for loved ones.

Buy Echire butter online

Since freshness is important for Echire butter, we recommend purchasing it via refrigerated air freight from an authorized import agent

Echire Butter, 250g Block, Salted [Traditional French Fermented Butter, AOP Certified]

This authentic French cultured butter is made by the Echire Dairy Cooperative, founded in 1894. Crafted in wooden churns, it boasts a creamy texture and rich aroma. It is shipped refrigerated by authorized importers

Amazon

Echire Butter 250g in a Basket [AOP Certified, Great Gift]

It comes in a stylish basket-shaped container. It is a refrigerated air-shipped product from the official Échire importer, making it a great gift or present. It also comes with a leaflet

Amazon

Echire Glass Gift Set of 6 with Cooler Bag [Ice Cream Gift]

This gift set features ice cream made with Échiré fermented butter. It comes with an insulated bag, making it the perfect gift. A perfect sweet gift for special occasions

Amazon

Echire Butter, 250g Block, Salted x 2 Packs [Traditional French Fermented Butter]

This great value two-pack lets you buy the popular Echire salted butter in bulk. It can be frozen and stored in the freezer, so it's perfect for stockpiling. Official Echire importer, shipped refrigerated by air

Amazon

Introducing EpiRecipe's specially selected original recipes!

We would like to introduce you to our original recipes, which make the most of the rich flavor of butter. Enjoy the authentic taste at home with these chef-supervised recipes

Sauteed barracuda and mushrooms in butter

This dish allows you to enjoy the delicious combination of mushrooms and barracuda. ​​By thoroughly evaporating the moisture from the mushrooms with heat, the flavor is concentrated. It's best to press the mushrooms against the frying pan with a spatula while grilling

Cod butter

If you add butter from the beginning, the protein in the fish will melt and it will not cook properly. Be sure to use it at the end to add flavor.
If you want a more authentic taste, you can use melted butter.

Potato butter caviar

Potatoes can be enhanced by slowly cooking them in the oven. It's finished in a slightly luxurious potato butter topped with caviar.

Grilled monkfish with butter and anchovy flavor

Monkfish meat will harden if left over heat for a long time, so it's important to remove the meat before reducing the sauce

Grilled monkfish with butter and anchovy flavor

Monkfish meat will harden if left over heat for a long time, so it's important to remove the meat before reducing the sauce

Brussels sprouts grilled with butter

If you add soy sauce, it will burn quickly, so the key is to add it just before the cooking is done, give it a quick stir, and then remove from the heat immediately. By frying in salad oil first, you can ensure that the flavor of the butter you add later is preserved