Making your own butter at home from raw milk may seem like a lost art, but it’s a rewarding and straightforward process that yields delicious and fresh butter. This step-by-step guide will take you through the basics of making butter from raw milk, allowing you to enjoy the unique flavor and texture only homemade butter can provide.

Ingredients and Equipment:

– Raw milk (preferably from grass-fed cows)

– A large glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid

– A strainer or cheesecloth

– A bowl for collecting the buttermilk

– Salt (optional)

– Wooden spoon or spatula

– Cold water

Step 1: Skim the Cream

First, obtain fresh, raw milk from a trusted source. Let the milk sit undisturbed for about 12 to 24 hours in a cool place. The cream will rise to the top, leaving the non-fat milk behind. Skim off the cream using a ladle or spoon and transfer it into a clean glass jar or container.

Step 2: Prepare for Churning

Allow the skimmed cream to reach room temperature (around 60°F). This temperature is preferable as it helps speed up the churning process.

Step 3: The Churning Process

Seal the jar tightly with a lid, ensuring there’s enough room for agitation. Start shaking vigorously; this will take around 15-30 minutes depending on the volume of cream in your jar. During this process, you’ll notice different stages—the liquid will first turn into whipped cream, then heavy whipped cream and finally separate into butter and buttermilk.

Step 4: Separate Butter and Buttermilk

Once you notice small bits of solid butter surrounded by buttermilk, stop churning. It’s time to separate them. Place a strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the mixture through, ensuring the bowl catches the buttermilk. The solid butter pieces will remain in the strainer.

Don’t discard the buttermilk! It’s perfect for baking or adding to smoothies.

Step 5: Rinse and Press

Transfer the collected butter to another bowl. Gently rinse it under cold water, using a wooden spoon or spatula to press and manipulate it to release more buttermilk. Rinse and press until the water runs clear. This helps ensure the butter stays fresh longer.

Step 6: Salt Your Butter (optional)

If you prefer salted butter, add a small amount of salt depending on your preference. Mix it through thoroughly with your spoon or spatula.

Step 7: Store the Butter

Pat dry the butter with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess moisture, then transfer it into an airtight container. Your homemade butter can be stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks.

By following these steps, you can transform raw milk into delicious homemade butter in no time. This rewarding process reconnects us with traditional food practices and ensures we have a deeper appreciation for a simple yet essential product like butter.