The Chef's Secret in Crafting Culinary Perfection with Échiré Butter
At the heart of our esteemed patisserie, nestled in the bustling heart of the city, lies a culinary treasure that defines our commitment to excellence - the renowned Échiré butter, hailed as the 'Queen of Butter'. Handpicked by our discerning head chef for its unrivalled quality and rich flavour profile, Échiré butter serves as the very essence of our delectable pastries and baked goods. With each meticulously crafted recipe, our chef's expertise harmonises seamlessly with the exceptional characteristics of Échiré butter, resulting in an exquisite symphony of flavours and textures that captivate the senses. This carefully curated combination is more than just a culinary delight; it's a testament to our dedication to preserving gastronomic tradition and delivering unparalleled quality to our valued patrons.
Crafting Culinary Excellence Since 1891
Deep in the French village of Échiré, along the serene Sèvre Niortaise River, stands a dairy that has elevated butter-making to an art form. Since its inception in 1891 by Mr. du Dresnay, Échiré butter has been synonymous with French culinary tradition and excellence, earning the prestigious title of the 'Queen of Butter'.
The Birth of a Culinary Icon
The Échiré dairy, transformed into a cooperative in 1894, has steadfastly produced high-quality butter. It adopted traditional methods right from the start, using teak barrel-type churns for a uniquely textured butter. Producing one kilogram of this revered butter requires 22 litres of cow's milk, underscoring a commitment to unparalleled quality.
The Secret Behind the 'Queen of Butter'
Échiré butter's distinctive flavour and texture set it apart. The cream, upon arrival at the butter factory, matures for 18 hours. This process, coupled with a meticulous two-and-a-half-hour churn in teak barrels, results in butter that is soft, tender, and rich in hazelnut flavour. A master butter maker oversees this process, ensuring each batch meets the world-renowned standards of Échiré butter.
A Cooperative Effort Towards Sustainability
In 1997, Échiré dairy's merger with Sèvre & Belle cheesemakers was a significant step towards sustainable practices. They established the Quality Charter for Milk Production, focusing on food safety, animal welfare, environmental respect, and non-GMO commitments, key to maintaining Échiré butter's high quality.
A Global Delicacy with Local Roots
Échiré butter, while gracing global tables and kitchens, maintains its strong local roots. The Coopérative Laitière de la Sèvre, with 120 goat and bovine farms, ensures the milk for Échiré butter is locally sourced. The region's unique terroir significantly influences the milk's quality, adding to the butter's distinctive flavour.
The Personal Stories Behind the Quality
The essence of Échiré butter is further enriched by the local producers' stories and sustainable practices. From non-GMO, palm oil-free feeds to solar energy use and animal welfare, these family farms contribute immensely to the milk's quality.
A Certification of Excellence
In 2013, the Échiré site received the IFS certification, affirming the safety and quality of its products. This certification is a testament to Échiré's adherence to the highest standards of food safety and quality.
The Legacy Continues
Échiré butter, with its rich history, artisanal production methods, and commitment to sustainability, is more than a culinary delight. It stands as a legacy of French artisanal excellence, encapsulating the dedication and craftsmanship required to produce the 'Queen of Butter'. Each element of Échiré butter tells a story of tradition, quality, and a taste that transcends the ordinary, continuing to captivate gourmets and chefs worldwide.