Are you wondering what European-style butter is? Before we dive into that, let's look at how butter is made. The basics: cows produce milk → cream comes from milk → cream is pasteurized → pasteurized cream is churned into butter.
Everything to know about European-style butter and how to use it
What Is European-Style Butter?
European-style butter is butter that is churned longer to achieve at least 82% butterfat. Pretty simple, right?
What’s the Difference Between Regular Butter and European-Style Butter?
American butter has 80% butterfat, while European style has at least 82%. A higher butterfat content means it contains less water, it's richer in taste, creamier in texture, brighter in color, and has a faster melt-ability.
How Do You Use European-Style Butter?
A good rule of thumb is that European-style butter is the best choice when the flavor of butter is needed as much as its purpose. Meaning, European style is good to use when you're making something that requires a buttery taste, like (garlic parmesan) butter noodles, a buttered bagel, or steak finished with (black truffle) butter.
With that said, European-style butter, like Epicurean Butter, can be used just like regular butter. There's no going wrong if you use European-style butter instead of regular butter. We use it in everything, and our food always tastes good, even when we mess up a recipe.
With 82% butterfat, Epicurean Butter is still the great tasting flavored butter it's always been, now just richer and creamier.
Learn more about Epicurean Butter in our blog,What Is Compound Butter?
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of dairy products and culinary arts, particularly in the domain of butter, let's delve into the intricacies of European-style butter. My extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience in both home and professional kitchens, where I've explored the nuances of various butter types and their applications.
To understand European-style butter, it's crucial to comprehend the butter-making process. Cows produce milk, and from this milk, cream is extracted. This cream undergoes pasteurization, a heat treatment that kills harmful bacteria, before being churned into butter. Now, let's focus on European-style butter.
European-style butter distinguishes itself by the meticulousness of its churning process, aiming for a minimum of 82% butterfat content. This elevated butterfat percentage sets it apart from its American counterpart, which typically contains 80% butterfat. The difference in butterfat content has profound effects on the characteristics of the butter.
Higher butterfat translates to less water content in European-style butter, resulting in a richer taste, creamier texture, and a more vibrant color. Additionally, the increased butterfat enhances the butter's melt-ability, providing a luxurious mouthfeel. These distinctions form the foundation of what makes European-style butter a sought-after ingredient in culinary endeavors.
Now, comparing European-style butter to regular American butter, the former becomes the superior choice when the flavor of butter plays a crucial role in a dish. Whether it's crafting garlic parmesan butter noodles, indulging in a buttered bagel, or adding a finishing touch to a steak with black truffle butter, European-style butter shines where the distinctive taste of butter is paramount.
Despite its premium qualities, European-style butter, such as Epicurean Butter, is versatile and can be seamlessly substituted for regular butter in various recipes. The higher butterfat content of Epicurean Butter, standing at 82%, ensures that it maintains its great taste while offering a richer and creamier profile.
In the realm of flavored butters, understanding the concept of compound butter is essential. Compound butter, like Epicurean Butter, involves blending butter with herbs, spices, or other flavoring agents to create a versatile and flavorful condiment. Whether used as a spread, a finishing touch for meats, or a flavor enhancer for vegetables, compound butter adds a gourmet touch to culinary creations.
To conclude, European-style butter, with its elevated butterfat content, transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Epicurean Butter, as an exemplary brand in this category, epitomizes the richness and versatility that European-style butter brings to the table.
