Have you ever heard of buffalo butter?
It’s a lesser-known type of butter made from buffalo milk, which is typically more white than yellow and contains more fat than traditional cow’s milk butter.
While it may not be as widely available as regular butter, buffalo butter has been gaining popularity for its unique taste and potential health benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore what buffalo butter is, how it differs from regular butter, and whether it’s worth trying out for yourself.
So sit back, grab a snack, and let’s dive into the world of buffalo butter!
What Is Buffalo Butter?
As mentioned earlier, buffalo butter is a type of butter made from buffalo milk. This milk is typically more rich and creamy than cow’s milk, which results in a butter that is also more rich and creamy.
Buffalo butter is often more white in color than traditional butter, and it may have a slightly different taste as well. Some people describe it as having a sweeter, more delicate flavor than regular butter.
How Is Buffalo Butter Made?
The process of making buffalo butter is similar to that of traditional butter-making, but with buffalo milk instead of cow’s milk. First, the cream is separated from the buffalo milk. The cream is then churned until it solidifies into butter.
In some cases, the butter may be pasteurized, especially if it is imported. However, often it is simply washed, shaped, and sold as is. It may come in various forms, such as grass-fed or salted, and may contain various additives depending on the specific product.
Buffalo butter is a regional specialty in Italy and is made from pasteurized cream from buffalo whey through a churning process. It has an 82% fat content and is pale porcelain in color with an intense flavor.
Nutritional Benefits Of Buffalo Butter
Buffalo butter is not only delicious but also has several nutritional benefits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that are essential for maintaining good health. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of buffalo butter:
1. High in Vitamins: Buffalo butter is loaded with vitamins A, D, E, and K. These fat-soluble vitamins are essential for various bodily functions, including immune system support, bone health, and blood clotting.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Buffalo butter contains antioxidants that protect your body against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
3. Good Source of Healthy Fats: Buffalo butter is high in healthy fats like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), butyric acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are essential for brain function, hormone production, and reducing inflammation.
4. Contains Minerals: Buffalo butter is a good source of minerals like selenium, iodine, and calcium. These minerals are essential for maintaining strong bones, healthy thyroid function, and overall well-being.
5. Supports Digestive Health: The butyric acid in buffalo butter helps promote gut health by nourishing the cells lining the digestive tract. It also helps regulate bowel movements and may provide relief from constipation and other digestive issues.
6. Promotes Skin and Hair Health: The vitamin A and E content in buffalo butter makes it an excellent natural moisturizer for skin and hair. It can help soothe dry skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and promote healthy hair growth.
Comparison With Traditional Cow’s Milk Butter
When comparing buffalo butter to traditional cow’s milk butter, there are some notable differences. For one, buffalo milk has lower cholesterol but more calories and fat compared to cow’s milk. This means that buffalo butter may contain more fat than traditional butter made from cow’s milk.
Additionally, butter made from buffalo milk is harder than that of cow milk due to its higher levels of saturated fatty acids. This can result in a different texture and consistency when using buffalo butter in cooking or baking.
However, both types of butter contain vitamins A and D. Cow’s milk butter is richer in vitamin A, while buffalo butter is richer in vitamin D. Both types of butter are also considered better than alternatives such as tallow, lard or vegetable ghee.
From an economic standpoint, buffaloes are better butter-producing machines than cows. India, China, and Pakistan are the biggest producers of buffalo milk worldwide, with Italy also producing dairy products from water buffaloes.
In terms of composition, cow’s butter-fat is known to have iodine in its composition, whereas no data is available on this point in the case of buffalo butter-fat. However, both types of butter are suitable for consumption and can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor and richness to dishes.
Unique Taste And Culinary Uses
Buffalo butter has a unique taste that makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its sweet and delicate flavor makes it an excellent companion for both sweet and savory dishes. It can be used in the preparation of sauces, such as beurre blanc and beurre noir, which are perfect for fish, vegetables, poultry, and organ meats.
One of the best things about buffalo butter is its nutritional properties. It is rich in beta-carotene, a provitamin A with important antioxidant functions for the body. This makes it a healthier alternative to regular butter, especially for those who are watching their cholesterol levels.
Buffalo butter can also be used to make hot sauces and buffalo sauces. While some people confuse hot sauce with buffalo sauce, the addition of butter in buffalo sauce gives it a thicker and smoother texture, making it more silky and richer in flavor. Buffalo sauce can be used to spice up many different foods, including chicken wings and dips.
Finally, buffalo butter can also be used to make ghee, a staple in Asian cooking. Ghee is clarified butter consisting only of fat, and it is typically made from cow’s milk butter. However, buffalo-milk butter can also be used to make ghee, giving it unique notes of flavor.
Availability And Where To Buy Buffalo Butter
If you’re interested in trying buffalo butter for yourself, it’s important to note that it is a perishable product that requires express shipping to ensure it arrives fresh and delicious.
One option for purchasing buffalo butter is through the brand Delitia, which makes their butter from the unused cream of their Mozzarella di Bufala production. Their buffalo milk butter is known for its pale ivory color and intense flavor, which is a testament to its high quality.
To purchase Delitia Buffalo Milk Butter, you can join their waitlist and be notified via email when the product becomes available. It’s important to note that by joining the waitlist, you agree to create an account using your email address and receive waitlist communications via email.
Other options for purchasing buffalo butter may be available at specialty food stores or online retailers that specialize in gourmet or artisanal food products. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and do your research before purchasing any new food product online.