French Butter Keepers

A French butter keeper is a container used to keep butter fresh and soft without refrigeration. This late 19th century French-designed pottery crock has two parts: a base with a hollow cylinder attached to it, and a cup that also serves as a lid. The cup holds the packed in butter, and the base holds water. The water creates an airtight seal that keeps oxygen away from the butter so that refrigeration is not needed, and the butter can be used in its soft form. This method will keep butter for around a month provided it is kept at temperatures below 80F (27C) and the water is changed regularly. The French butter dish design is thought to have originated in Vallauris, France. Vallauris is known for its pottery crafts. Others speculate that it was created in Brittany, or Normandy; both known for their butter production. In the 1970s and 1980s craft potters started making and selling the French butter dish throughout the United States at craft fairs and in art boutiques. "French Butter Dish" became the preferred name in the USA around that time and was later adapted by potters in Europe. By the end of the 20th century, French butter dishes became popular enough for manufactured versions to appear. The French Butter Keeper is our best selling product. We have sold one to many customers over the years. Many have come back to purchase many more for family as gifts. We hope you will try one to enjoy on your table. From our shop to your home. Back