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In the world of culinary delights, butter holds a special place. From enhancing the flavor of good bread and fresh corn to elevating steak and pie crusts, butter makes everything better. While all butter is delicious, European-style butter stands out for its rich creaminess. However, this luxury comes at a cost, making it essential to research before buying. To guide you in selecting the best fancy butter option for your needs, we consulted Josh Windsor, Senior Caves Manager at Murray’s Cheese, to rank the top European-style butters available.
European butter differs from American butter in its higher butterfat percentage, leading to a softer, richer taste. European regulations allow for a minimum fat content of 82% to 90%, surpassing the USDA requirement of at least 80% fat content for American butter. This difference in standards results in a preference for imported European butter due to its superior flavor, richness, and spreadability. While European butter may come with a higher price tag, its quality makes it worth the investment.
Now, let’s dive into the world of European-style butter and explore Windsor’s top recommendations.
Starting our buttery journey is the Devon Cream Company Creamy British Butter. Known for its clotted cream, this UK-based company offers a mild butter with a smooth and silky texture, perfect for spreading on all types of bread. Next up is Lurpak Slightly Salted Butter, a Danish butter prized for its sweetness and floral aroma. In the American market, Arethusa Farm Dairy Butter stands out for its delicate and balanced profile with an 84% butterfat content.
Continuing on our butter adventure, we encounter Smjör Icelandic Creamery Butter, bringing a unique savory flavor with aromatic notes of seaweed. Vermont Creamery Cultured Butter with Sea Salt offers a tangy finish in a stick format, showcasing the excellence of American-made European-style butters. Isigny Sainte-Mère, Beurre d’Isigny AOP, hailing from France with an AOP seal for quality assurance, provides a rich and soft butter with a long-standing history of excellence.
Cherry Valley Dairy Gray Salt Butter from Washington impresses with its artisanal quality and award-winning status. Ploughgate Cultured Butter from Vermont exemplifies high-quality American butter crafted with local cream and a commitment to animal welfare. Kerrygold Salted Butter, a favorite in many households, combines Irish quality with a sweet, rich flavor and creamy texture.
Claiming the top spot is Rodolphe le Meunier, Beurre de Baratte Salé, a French butter made with traditional methods in the Loire Valley. Praised for its rich aromatics and pillowy softness, this butter sets the standard for excellence in European-style butters. From Danish sweetness to French sophistication, each butter on this list offers a unique and top-tier butter experience.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.