French Butter Container

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A French butter container is a container used to maintain the freshness and spreadable consistency of butter without refrigeration. This late 19th century French-designed pottery crock has two parts: a base that holds water, and a cup to hold the packed butter which also serves as a lid. The cup containing butter is placed into the base, where water creates an airtight seal that keeps the air (and thus oxygen) away from the butter so that refrigeration is not needed, and the butter can be used in its soft form. This method will keep butter for around a month provided it is kept at temperatures below 80 °F (27 °C) and the water is changed regularly.

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How does a French Butter Container work?

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To use a French Butter Container, "pack" 1/4 to 1/2 pound of butter into its bell or cone-shaped lid, then put water into the base so that it is about 1/3 full (use salted water for unsalted or low-salt butter). When the inverted bell shaped lid is on, a seal is created that keeps oxygen away from the butter.

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How long can you keep butter in a butter bell?

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30 days Keep your butter soft and fresh by storing it in the French Butter Container. This two-piece pottery crock keeps butter fresh on your kitchen counter for up to 30 days, all while preserving the spreadable consistency of your favorite food flavoring.

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Why is butter stored in water?

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Exposure to light and air are the two main reasons butter goes rancid or spoils, which means it's wise to be savvy about the container you're storing the butter in at room temperature. ... With these containers the butter is kept in a small pot that is immersed in water, creating an airtight seal.

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How often should you change the water in a French Butter Container?

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Make sure you change the water every 3 days. This step ensures fresh butter for a longer period of time.

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