From the La Cuisine Paris blog.
Why French Butter Is Better
If you have ever visited France and cooked with, smeared or gobbled up real French butter, then you know: there is no going back. So why is it so addicting? How is it different from other countries? And, most importantly, where can you buy it?
First of all, good quality butter begins with the cows. Essentially, their diet dictates the quality of the milk produced. The best butters in France come from Normandy and Brittany, where it rains a lot and the cows have plenty of green grass to eat. We have a word in French – terroir – which literally translates to “the history of the soil.” It is a fundamental idea when it comes to French food and wine. In terms of butter, we believe that you can taste what the cows eat, as it comes through in their milk. In a sense, rich soil equals rich tasting butter.
It’s not just the terroir that makes butter so tasty… our butter does actually have a higher fat content. This is France, after all! While most countries use about 80% butterfat in their butter, French law requires at least 82% butterfat. And yes, that makes a huge difference in texture and taste!
So which kinds of butter are the best in France? There are two names to remember: Yves Bordier and beurre d’Echire. Bordier butter is our personal favorite and made by a man that has devoted his life to making butter (yes, please!). This kind hails from Brittany and is rich, creamy, and bright yellow. Bordier also makes other flavors, such as piment d’espelette, yuzu, and Madagascar vanilla. Beurre d’Echire is produced in the West of France and contains 84% butterfat. It also holds an AOC status which ensures that the 66 farms which produce it must be held to the finest of standards. The taste is a cross between sour cream and sweet cream.
One final note: Do yourselves a huge favor and choose beurre demi-sel, which literally translates to “half salt.” Salted butter will change your life! We use it in baking for a delicious sweet/salty result and is especially tasty just smeared on bread.
Where to buy Bordier butter (currently only available in France):
La Grande Epicerie De Paris
38, rue de Sèvres75007 Paris
Where to buy buerre d’Echire in the US:
Fairway Markets
Dean & DeLuca
Where to buy buerre d’Echire in the UK:
Frenchclick.co.uk