Description
The Beurre d'Ardenne PDO is a local butter made with the milk produced in the same region.
Production Area
Beurre d'Ardenne PDO is produced in the province of Luxembourg and in another 10 bordering cantons in the provinces of Namur and Liège in the Wallonia region.
Production Method
the cows that produce the milk for the production of Beurre d'Ardenne PDO are reared on the lower slopes of the Belgian Ardennes. The acidic and shaly soil, the geology, climate and the nature of the vegetation are all factors which give the milk produced here its unique characteristics. This butter has to be made in the Ardennes with milk from the Ardennes following strict criteria established by law. It must also carry the certification of the National Milk Board which is only given following organoleptic tests. At least 22 l of milk are needed for the production of 1 kg of butter.
Appearance and Flavour
Beurre d'Ardenne PDO butter has a generous, fresh and authentic taste, closely relating to the milk from which it is made.
History
The history of Beurre d'Ardenne PDO is closely linked to the tradition in butter making in the Ardennes. Butter is highly valued in this area by the local inhabitants. However until the middle of the 19th century it was in fact used very little for a variety of reasons, one being that very little milk was produced therefore butter was very expensive and only the wealthy could afford to buy it. The fats that were used mostly were suet, tallow and lard. In about 1870 growth in the production of milk, the opening of local dairies and butter makers led to an increased consumption of butter. In 1910 Beurre d'Ardenne PDO already stood out from the local butters and was already being sold in the markets of Liège and Brussels.
Gastronomy
To conserve and preserve the quality of this butter it is advisable to store it at a temperature of between 1°C and 4°C away from the light, in its original wrapping or in an air-tight container to prevent it from oxidising or absorbing smells from other foods. Beurre d'Ardenne PDO is used principally in the kitchen or as an ingredient in cake and bread making. It is excellent on canapés, in sauces and on steamed vegetables but at its best on a slice of freshly baked bread.
Marketing
This butter is sold as Beurre d'Ardenne PDO, either salted or unsalted. It is sold suitably wrapped.
Distinctive Features
The Ardennes is a mountainous region with shaly and acidic soil and the principal vegetation is forage and therefore best suited for keeping livestock. It has a severe and wet climate, unforgiving terrain but with hardy vegetation. These factors influence the characteristics of the milk produced here and its flavour and taste and therefore the distinctive qualities of Beurre d'Ardenne PDO butter.
