Beurre d'Ardenne facts for kids

Beurre d’Ardenne is a very special type of butter that comes from the Ardennes region in Belgium. It's made from the fresh milk of cows raised in this beautiful area. This butter is known for its unique taste and quality.

What Makes Beurre d’Ardenne Special?

This butter has a special label called "protected designation of origin." This means it's officially recognized as a unique product from the Ardenne region. It's like a guarantee that the butter is made in a specific place using traditional methods. Belgium first gave it this special status in 1984. Later, in 1996, the whole of Europe recognized it too! This helps protect its name and quality.

Where Does This Special Butter Come From?

Beurre d’Ardenne is made in a part of Belgium called Wallonia. The specific areas where it can be produced include the provinces of Luxembourg, Namur, and Liège. These places are known for their green pastures, which are perfect for dairy cows.

How Is Beurre d’Ardenne Made?

To be called Beurre d’Ardenne, the entire butter-making process must happen in these special areas. This includes everything from milking the cows to the final steps of making the butter. The butter can be made by churning milk, cream, or a mix of both. After churning, the butter goes through a final step called maturation. This helps it develop its unique flavor and texture. The finished butter must also contain at least 82% butterfat. This high fat content helps give it a rich and creamy taste.