When you think of Irish gastronomy, dishes like “Irish stew” or “fish and chips” often spring to mind. However, another product deserves special attention: Irish butter. Renowned for its exceptional quality and rich taste, Irish butter is not only a staple of local cuisine, but also a highly prized export product. Here’s why this simple ingredient has become a veritable jewel in Ireland’s gastronomic crown.
One of the reasons Irish butter is so highly prized is the quality of the milk used to make it. Dairy cows in Ireland graze on rich, natural pastures, resulting in particularly creamy milk. This fat-rich milk is ideal for making butter.
Irish butter is known for its rich taste and creamy texture. It has a distinct golden-yellow color and a slightly nutty aroma that sets it apart from other types of butter. This unique taste is the result of a combination of factors, including the quality of the milk, the cows’ diet and the traditional manufacturing process.
Irish butter is so famous that it is exported all over the world. Brands like Kerrygold have become household names in many countries, and Irish butter is often used by Michelin-starred chefs for its superior quality. It has even acquired a kind of cult status in certain gastronomic circles.
Ireland is also taking steps to ensure that butter production is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Many producers follow sustainable farming practices, and there are initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of dairy production.