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Black Butter Making
5th October - 7th October
Dates
5th - 7th October 2023
Location
The Elms, La Cheve Rue, St Mary
Contact
Call:
01534 483193
Jersey Black Butter
Jersey Black Butter is a concentrated apple preserve made with apples, cider, sugar and flavoured with spices. It is a traditional farmhouse delicacy also known as lé Nièr Beurre, in Jèrriais, (Jersey Norman-French) a recognised but endangered minority language. In the 18th century, apple growing and cider making were major farming activities, leading to inevitable surplus at the end of the season. Put together in a massive cauldron apples and cider proved delicious and Black Butter making became part of island's life.
Every October people gather at the National Trust for Jersey Headquarters - The Elms - to go through the whole process: apple peeling, 24 hour stirring then spooning into jars. This is a happy community event open to anyone and accompanied by music, dancing and storytelling.
Black Butter can be eaten at breakfast on toast or served with cheese and will be a lovely souvenir to share with friends and family back home.
Programme of Events from 2023
Thursday 5th October 2023
Embrace the community spirit as you participate in the ancient art of making Black Butter – peeling apples from 2 to 5 pm at The Elms.
Friday 6th October 2023
Peeling will start again at 10 am until late!
Stirring of the apples and other ingredients will commence mid-morning on Friday in the large ‘bachin’ over a roaring fire in the Bake-House and will continue all night until Saturday lunch-time.
Volunteers are invited to peel, stir or contribute to the community supper which will take place on Friday evening with live music.
Saturday 7th October 2023
Market Day from 10 am until 4 pm.
Artisan products, including chutneys, sauces, apple juice, honey and crafts will be able to purchase on Market Day.
Participate in the jarring up of the freshly made Black Butter which then goes on sale!
