Questions

Butter that belongs on the counter.

It is a fair thing to have questions about. Here is how it works, how long it keeps, and what is actually inside the tin.

A tin of Red Feather butter beside a cup of tea and buttered toast, seen from above on a red surface

Keeping it

How does Red Feather butter stay fresh without refrigeration?

Our butter is traditionally cultured, high in butterfat, and sealed in a tin, all of which naturally preserve its freshness and flavor without refrigeration. In many parts of the world, premium butter is kept on the counter rather than refrigerated. We recommend keeping it in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.

How long does it last?

Unopened, it is shelf-stable for up to 24 months. Once opened, we recommend enjoying it within 2 months if stored in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.

Do I need to refrigerate it once it is open?

No. Put the lid back on and keep the tin somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight, on the counter or in the cupboard. Enjoy it within 2 months of opening.

Will the butter separate in the tin if I leave it out?

No. In a warm kitchen the surface may soften and take on a slight sheen. That is simply the butterfat, and it is normal for real butter made with nothing but cream and salt. Keep the tin somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight and it firms right back up. For a perfectly smooth texture, give it a quick stir.

What’s in it

What is actually in it?

Just two things: pasteurized cream and salt. No emulsifiers, no artificial preservatives, and no added color.

Is it grass-fed?

Yes. Our cows graze on open pasture in New Zealand year round, which is simply how dairy farming is done there. It is also why the butter arrives as golden as it does.

What gives Red Feather its golden color?

It comes from the grass. Our cows graze on open New Zealand pastures year-round, and that pasture-rich diet is what makes the butter naturally golden. Nothing is added. It is simply what grass-fed butter looks like.

A tin of Red Feather butter on a laid table with radishes, tomatoes, lemons and fresh bread

Cooking with it

Can I use Red Feather butter for high-heat cooking?

Yes. Its high butterfat content gives it heat stability, so it holds up at higher cooking temperatures than most butters, from a good sear to roasting and baking. It works just as well over low heat or as a finishing butter.

What should I make with it?

Start with the recipes. Fifteen of them, from a two-minute crostini to a focaccia board built for a table of people.

Opening the tin

What is the best way to open the tin?

Red Feather uses a traditional sealed tin, so it opens with a standard rotary can opener, the same one already in your drawer. Five steps, no special equipment.

  1. Hands opening the arms of a rotary can opener beside a tin of Red Feather butter

    Step 1

    Open the arms of the can opener by gently pulling them apart until they lightly lock.

  2. The can opener being lowered onto the lip of the tin lid

    Step 2

    Position the cutting edge on the lip of the tin lid, lining up the serrated wheel and the handle.

  3. Hands pressing the can opener handles together to puncture the lid

    Step 3

    Press the handles together to puncture the lid.

  4. Turning the can opener handle clockwise around the rim of the tin

    Step 4

    Twist the handle clockwise, working the cutting edge around the lid until it comes free.

  5. The lid lifted clear of the open tin of butter

    Step 5

    Lift the lid clear, taking care of the sharp edge. Keep the lid to cover the tin between uses.

Where to buy

Where can I find a tin of Red Feather butter?

Our tinned butter is available nationwide at Whole Foods Market and on Amazon, along with various regional retailers. Find us with the pantry staples rather than in the dairy case.

See where to buy

Still have a question?

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