The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3625 — Another Method for Preserving Butter
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3625 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
The source proposes salting butter with a mixture of 2 pounds fine salt, 1 pound saltpetre and 1 pound sugar, all crushed and mixed.
Use 6 zolotniks of this mixture per pound butter, enough for about 64 pounds. The author claims it costs one kopeck per pound and keeps butter fresh for up to 2½ years if properly churned and washed.
Both ordinary cream butter and Finnish-style butter are said to be suitable, and the butter is washed before eating.
The original adds an extraordinary suggestion to place several pieces of glass in butter during transport in hot weather.
Historical editorial note: Do not place broken glass in food. Saltpetre use and the 2½-year storage claim are not validated modern food-safety procedures.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3625. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.