What Makes French Butter So Special? Discover the Art of Hand-Churned Butter

If you’ve ever tasted French butter, you already know it’s not just a condiment. It’s an experience. Rich, velvety, and deeply flavorful, it stands in a league of its own. The difference? A time-honored technique called hand-churned butter, along with the finest cream and a slow, intentional process that favors quality over quantity.

What Is French Butter?

French butter is a type of cultured butter made from cream that has been fermented before churning. It’s known for its higher butterfat content, typically at least 82%, which makes it creamier and more spreadable than American sweet cream butter. It also has a slightly tangy flavor thanks to the fermentation process.

One of the most celebrated examples is Beurre de Baratte Salted Butter, a slow-churned, small-batch French butter crafted in the traditional “baratte” (wooden butter churn).

The Hand Churned Butter Method

The term hand churned butter refers to the traditional method of making butter in small batches, using a slow barrel churn. This gentle process helps retain the natural structure of the cream, producing a smoother, more flavorful butter that doesn’t taste processed or whipped.

Unlike commercial butter, which is made at high speed using industrial machines, hand churning allows the butter to develop its signature texture and complex notes. The result is a butter that’s creamy, subtly tangy, and full of character.

Key Differences Between French and American Butter

1. Butterfat Content

• French butter: 82% butterfat or more

• American butter: Typically 80%
  That 2% makes a major difference in richness and mouthfeel.

2. Cultured vs. Sweet Cream

• French butter is made from cultured cream, fermented for flavor

• American butter usually uses sweet cream, with no fermentation and a more neutral flavor

3. Texture

• Hand-churned French butter has a silkier, more spreadable consistency and a golden hue

• Mass-produced butter can feel denser and lack depth of flavor

4. Salt and Flavor

• French butters like Beurre de Baratte often use fleur de sel, adding a delicate crunch and balanced salinity

How to Use Beurre de Baratte at Home

Let this French butter shine in simple, high-quality dishes:

• Spread on fresh sourdough, croissants, or crusty Italian bread

• Melt over steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes

• Use in baked goods like cookies, tarts, and buttery pastries

• Add richness to pasta dishes like cheese ravioli with lemon olive oil

• Finish grilled seafood or steak for added depth

Why It’s Worth the Upgrade

If you’re used to standard grocery store butter, switching to a hand-churned French butter like Beurre de Baratte is a revelation. The flavor, texture, and cooking results are noticeably elevated. Even the simplest dishes feel gourmet.

Whether you’re a baker, home chef, or just someone who loves quality ingredients, French butter deserves a spot in your kitchen.

Shop Beurre de Baratte Salted Butter today and taste the old-world difference of traditionally churned French butter.