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An annual event which celebrates Jersey's cultural heritage by inviting islanders to participate in the age-old tradition of making black butter is set to take place this week.
The National Trust is hosting this year's 'Black Butter Festival' between Thursday 5 and Saturday 7 October in a St Mary’s farmhouse.
The event, supported by Rathbones, will celebrate the traditional creation of the spicy apple preserve at The Elms, La Chève Rue – an 18th-century farm complex.
The process of making black butter involves simmering cider over an open fire for many hours, sometimes up to two days. Apples, sugar, lemon, liquorice and various spices are then added to the cider.
The mixture is continuously stirred with a wooden paddle or 'rabot' – creating a thick, fragrant concoction.
During the cooking process, people would historically engage in community activities such as singing, dancing, and storytelling.
Pictured: On Friday morning, the peeled apples will be added to a giant copper bâchin. (National Trust)
Early immigrants from Jersey took the custom with them, particularly to Pennsylvania, USA, where the preserve was renamed 'apple butter.'
Despite the decline of traditional practices due to changing agricultural and modernisation trends, a handful of Jersey farms still produce this traditional preserve, ensuring that the island's cultural heritage endures.
The event begins with apple peeling from 14:00 to 17:00 on Thursday 5 October, with participants rewarded with tea and Jersey Wonders.
No prior booking is needed, and all age groups are welcome.
On Friday morning, the fire in the bakehouse will be lit at 05:00 and the peeled apples will start to be added to a copper bâchin (a giant bowl).
Later on, the evening brings live music and food provided by Pink Panda Private Catering.
Pictured: On Saturday, the production line of volunteers will put the freshly-made black butter into jars ready to be sold. (National Trust)
The cooking and stirring continue throughout the night until early Saturday morning when the final touches of spices, liquorice, and lemons are added.
By lunchtime, the black butter will be jarred, labelled, and made ready.
The Elms' courtyard will then be transformed into a marketplace, featuring 'Genuine Jersey' produce, such as cider, sausages, wood-fired pizza, honey, cakes, relishes, jams, art, and, of course, the famous black butter.
The event will also feature live performances and entertainment, such as Parish 13 and the Black Butter band.
Parking is available at Granite Products, La Route de la Vallée, with a shuttle service to and from the site throughout the day.
There will also be an apple preserves competition, sponsored by Rathbones, allowing participants to showcase their talent in making apple jams, jellies, pies, and cakes, including children's categories, and a biscuit-making competition.
To participate in the competition, click HERE or call the National Trust office on 01534 483193.
For more information about the Black Butter Festival, click HERE.
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