Unique Irish Black Butter a new taste of Ireland

A unique Irish Black Butter has been developed from Northern Ireland's Armagh Bramley Apples for both retail and foodservice.

Alastair Bell, who has a background in farming including apple growing, has just launched the innovative Irish Black Butter which he describes as "a new taste of Ireland".

Based at Portrush in county Antrim, Mr Bell teamed up with experienced chef Paul Clarke, managing director of award winning En Place Foods at Cookstown in county Tyrone, to perfect the recipe for the first Irish Black Butter product.

As well as Armagh Bramley Apples, the butter - it's not a dairy product - also features treacle, cider, a touch of brandy and a blend of spices for a cross between sweet and savoury.

Mr Bell, commenting on the new Irish Black Butter, says: "The Armagh Bramley is such a great tasting apple that can be used in so many different ways. Indeed, I've long thought that we could be doing more with the apples in terms of innovative products.

"Influenced by the exciting developments during last year's successful Year of Food and Drink in Northern Ireland, I subsequently approached Paul Clarke at En Place Foods for advice on how to develop the apple-based product I had in mind. He was extremely supportive. He helped perfect the ingredients and recipe for the butter. What has been produced has a delicious flavour with a rich aroma and firm texture.

"It's a dark and rich product that can be used in so many ways including as an accompaniment for cheese and cold meats. The butter can also be used in curing meats such as bacon and ham. It's such a versatile product that draws together sweet and savoury."

Paul Clarke, who has won a series of UK Great Taste Awards for innovative products including jams and sauces, adds: "It's great to see another original product developed using Armagh Bramley Apples, which have EU PGI status. Irish Black Butter is an outstandingly tasty and balanced product with nice acidity."

Irish Black Butter is being produced in 225g jars with plans to develop larger catering packs for food service.