Farmhouse Bienheureux Raw Milk Salted Butter

Tasting notes of the Curator

In the realm of artisanal butter, Bienheureux’s creation stands as a masterpiece of dairy alchemy. The raw cream, harvested from their Norman herd grazing in the mineral-rich pastures of Mont Saint-Michel Bay, undergoes traditional barrel churning, a process that honors both time and tradition. This methodical transformation yields butter of exceptional character - a sophisticated balance of sweet cream notes and crystalline salt, with subtle hints of hazelnuts and fresh grass that speak eloquently of its terroir. The texture achieves that elusive perfect plasticity: firm enough to hold its shape yet readily spreadable, with microscopic water droplets dispersed throughout that create an extraordinary mouthfeel. The butter’s pale golden hue varies subtly with the seasons, reflecting the changing pastoral palette of Normandy’s landscapes.

Pairings and Suggestions

This exceptional butter deserves to be showcased in ways that highlight its nuanced complexity:

• Morning Ritual: Let it soften slightly and spread generously on artisanal sourdough or crusty baguette. The butter’s crystalline salt structure will gradually release its flavor as it reaches room temperature.
• Culinary Canvas: Use it as the foundation for classic French sauce making. Its high-fat content and pure flavor make it ideal for mounted sauces and compound butters.
• Simple Elegance: Place a small quenelle on a hot steak or fish, allowing it to slowly melt and create a natural sauce.
• Traditional Pairing: Essential for authentic Norman pastries, particularly in laminated dough where its plasticity and flavor shine.

From Camembert to Butter: A Symphony of Production

The creation of this butter is inextricably linked to the farm’s renowned Camembert and Pont-L’Évêque production. In a beautiful example of traditional dairy management, the butter’s availability follows the rhythm of cheese making. The cream separated during cheese production becomes the source of this golden treasure, making each batch a harmonious counterpoint to the farm’s AOP cheeses. This interdependence ensures that nothing is wasted, reflecting the sustainable practices that have guided the farm since 1924.

Storage Instructions

Store refrigerated between 4-8°C (39-46°F). For optimal flavor and spreadability, remove from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving. Once opened, consume within 3 weeks. Keep well-wrapped to prevent absorption of other flavors.