Butter Bells – benefits, how to use, safety

What is Butter Bells?

Butter bells, also known as butter crocks or butter keepers, are traditional French kitchen gadgets that are designed to keep butter fresh and spreadable at room temperature.

Butter bells consist of two parts: a base and a lid. The base is filled with cold water, which creates an airtight seal with the lid when it is inverted and placed on top of the base. The butter is then placed in the lid, which is left on the counter at room temperature.

The water in the base keeps the butter fresh and spreadable by preventing air from reaching it. The butter is protected from heat and light, which can cause it to spoil or become rancid.

Butter bells come in a variety of styles and materials, including ceramic, stoneware, and porcelain. They are a popular kitchen accessory for people who prefer the taste and texture of room temperature butter, as they allow the butter to be stored without refrigeration while keeping it fresh and easy to spread.

What are the origins of Butter Bells

Butter bells, also known as butter crocks or butter keepers, have been used in France for centuries as a way to keep butter fresh and spreadable at room temperature.

The exact origins of butter bells are unclear, but it is believed that they were first invented in the 16th or 17th century in rural areas of France. At the time, refrigeration was not available, so butter had to be stored in a way that kept it fresh and easy to spread.

Butter bells were typically made of pottery or stoneware and were often decorated with elaborate designs or patterns. They were an important kitchen accessory in many French households and were passed down through generations as family heirlooms.

Today, butter bells are still popular in France and other parts of the world. They have also gained popularity in the United States and other countries as a way to store butter at room temperature without spoilage. While the design and materials used to make butter bells have evolved over time, the basic concept has remained the same for centuries.

Are Butter Bells safe?

Butter bells are generally considered safe to use. They are designed to keep butter fresh and spreadable at room temperature by creating an airtight seal between the base and lid, which helps prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.

However, it is important to follow proper cleaning and maintenance instructions to ensure that the butter bell remains hygienic and safe to use. The water in the base should be changed frequently and the butter dish should be washed and dried thoroughly before refilling with fresh butter.

It is also important to note that while butter bells can keep butter fresh and spreadable, they do not provide a completely sterile environment. If you are concerned about food safety, you may want to use refrigerated butter or other types of butter storage containers that are designed to provide airtight and sterile conditions.

What a Butter Bells is made of

Butter bells, also known as butter crocks or butter keepers, are typically made of ceramic, stoneware, or porcelain.

The base of the butter bell is a small crock or jar that is filled with cold water. The lid is a smaller vessel that fits snugly into the base and is designed to hold the butter.

The materials used to make butter bells are chosen for their ability to maintain a cool temperature and create an airtight seal that prevents air and bacteria from reaching the butter. Ceramic and stoneware are both popular choices for butter bells because they are durable and have a natural ability to keep butter fresh. Porcelain is also used for butter bells because of its smooth, non-porous surface, which helps prevent bacteria from growing.

Butter bells may be decorated with various designs or patterns, but the most important feature is their ability to keep butter fresh and spreadable at room temperature. With proper care and maintenance, a butter bell can last for many years and provide a convenient and hygienic way to store butter.

What are the benefits of Butter Bells?

There are several benefits to using a butter bell:

• Keeps butter fresh and spreadable: Butter bells are designed to keep butter at room temperature without it spoiling or becoming rancid. The cold water in the base creates an airtight seal with the lid, which prevents air and bacteria from reaching the butter. This helps to keep the butter fresh and easy to spread, so you can enjoy perfectly softened butter without the need to microwave it.
• Hygienic: Butter bells are a hygienic way to store butter because they create an airtight seal that prevents the butter from coming into contact with air and bacteria. This helps to prevent the butter from going bad, which can be a problem with traditional butter dishes that are left uncovered.
• Saves space: Butter bells are typically smaller and more compact than traditional butter dishes, which makes them a great space-saving option for smaller kitchens or for those who have limited counter space.
• Aesthetic appeal: Butter bells come in a variety of designs and colors, which can add a decorative element to your kitchen decor. They can also be passed down through generations as family heirlooms, adding a sentimental value to their use.
• Sustainable: Using a butter bell can help reduce waste by eliminating the need for disposable packaging that is often used to keep butter fresh in the refrigerator.

Overall, using a butter bell can provide a convenient and hygienic way to store butter at room temperature while keeping it fresh and spreadable.

How to use Butter Bells

Using a butter bell is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Soften the butter: Take your desired amount of butter out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature until it is soft enough to spread.
2. Fill the base with water: Fill the base of the butter bell with cold water. Make sure to leave enough room at the top so that the lid can fit securely on top.
3. Pack the butter into the lid: Pack the softened butter into the lid of the butter bell. Make sure that the butter is tightly packed and level with the top of the lid.
4. Place the lid in the base: Gently place the lid with the butter on top of the water-filled base. The lid should fit snugly into the base, creating an airtight seal.
5. Store at room temperature: Store the butter bell at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The butter will stay fresh and spreadable for up to a week or more.
6. Change the water: Every few days, it’s important to change the water in the base of the butter bell. This will help keep the butter fresh and prevent any mold or bacteria from forming.
7. Clean the butter bell: To clean the butter bell, simply rinse it out with warm water and mild soap. Do not put it in the dishwasher or use abrasive cleaning agents, as this may damage the surface of the butter bell.

By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly softened butter anytime without worrying about spoilage or hygiene issues.

Butter bells FAQ

How long can you leave butter in a butter bell?

The butter crock, also known as a butter bell or butter keeper, is a two-piece contraption that keeps butter fresh on the counter for up to 30 days.

Is water supposed to touch butter in butter bell?

The water should at least cover the little hole in the cone. Water should be as close to or touching the butter as possible. The water should be changed at least once a week. Do you pack the butter into the crock right out of the refrigerator, or do you wait until the butter reaches room temperature?

How often do you change the water in a butter bell?

Pop the bell into the crock and the water level will rise around the bell, sealing it off and keeping it cool. Change the water every two to four days to keep things fresh. 4. Store on the counter or in the pantry, away from direct heat or sunlight, to prevent the butter from melting.

Is it safe to keep butter on the counter?

Should You Leave Butter on the Counter? According to the USDA, butter is safe at room temperature. But if it’s left out for several days at room temperature, it can turn rancid causing off flavors. The USDA does not recommend leaving it out more than one to two days.

Is it safe to leave butter in butter bell?

Don’t leave butter in the wax paper wrappings it comes in if you plan to leave the stick out for more than a few hours. Instead, look for a butter dish that will keep the air and light away from the butter. Better yet, opt for a butter crock or butter bell.

What is the best container to store butter?

If storing butter at room temperature, use a butter bell crock to prevent oxidation. If you don’t have a crock on hand, use a covered butter dish or a small airtight container.

Why does my butter bell get moldy?

Crumbs and other food particles may sometimes transfer to your butter when using unclean utensils to spread butter on food such as toast. These food contaminants are typically more susceptible to mold and can escalate mold growth in butter.

Why is my butter falling out of my butter bell?

If you butter falls out of the bell, be sure the bell is dry, you pack the butter in tightly with no air bubbles, and add a piece of ice to the water when you first put it in.

How do you keep a butter bell fresh?

Quote from video: What you’ll do is have a stick of butter that is at a soften you let it sit out at room temperature for a while so it’s nice and soft. And we’re going to put it in the lid of the crock right.

Can you put unsalted butter in a butter bell?

If using unsalted butter, put a pinch of salt in the water to prevent mold. Keeps butter fresh for one month, so if you use butter frequently, this is perfect. Don’t feel the need to fill the entire bell up with butter.

How long can butter last in a French butter dish?

approximately one month

A butter dish is a traditional choice, but an airtight container is even better, and a French butter dish, also known as a ceramic butter crock or French butter keeper can keep butter fresh at room temperature for approximately one month.

How do you store butter without refrigeration?

Protect it from light by using an opaque container or a closed cabinet. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it away from direct sunlight, the stove or other sources of heat. Store butter out of the fridge only if the room temperature stays below 70–77°F (21–25°C).

Does butter need to be refrigerated?

This rule is simple. If you prefer unsalted butter, refrigerate it. Same goes for whipped butter. If it creeps above 70 degrees Fahrenheit in your kitchen, all butter should go into the fridge to avoid going bad — even into the freezer if you want to store it for a few months.

What’s the difference between a butter dish and a butter crock?

A butter dish allows you to have spreadable, room temperature butter any time you wish. You won’t have to try spreading cold butter on your morning toast or heat it in the microwave to get it pliable enough for baking. French butter crocks are two-piece devices that keep butter at room temperature for up to 30 days.

Why does my butter bell get moldy?

Crumbs and other food particles may sometimes transfer to your butter when using unclean utensils to spread butter on food such as toast. These food contaminants are typically more susceptible to mold and can escalate mold growth in butter.

Are butter dishes worth it?

A butter dish is essential if you want to keep your butter fresh for a longer time as well as ensure its softness so that it can be spread easily. In early ages, when there were no refrigerators, people used to keep the butter in earthenware pots which were sometimes immersed in water.