Cheese such as gouda and cheddar are known to age for five years to a decade, however, a 2,000 year old chunk of ancient butter, weighing around 20 pounds was uncovered under a peat bog in Ireland, where scientists say it is still edible.

Known as "bog butter" this enormous lump of butter was found by a farmer, Jack Conway, while he was cutting turf from the bog for fuel, in Emlagh Bog in, Drakerath County Meath last June 1. This odd rugby shaped object was apparently buried deep below at 16 feet, inside the bog.

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Conway was quick to realize that this strange, large object is known as bog butter and made contact with the Cavan County Museum. According to the curator of the Cavan County Museum, Savina Donohoe, this is very noteworthy, since butter a long time ago was often regarded as something very valuable, even a luxury.

During medieval times in Ireland, it was also not unusual for people to bury butter under peat bogs as they possess excellent preserving properties like low temperatures and oxygen and a highly acidic environment as well.

However, this new discovery in Emlagh Bog is rather unusual since the butter was not inside a container made of wood or inside a keg, which was a common practice for bog butter storage. Donohoe suggests that this might have been an offering to the gods.

Scientists analyzed the foliage and earth that are found covering the object, dating back the ancient relic by at least 2,000 years old. Donohoe describes this medieval delicacy as still smelling like butter, possessing a strong smell that clings on to the hands after touching and holding it, which is truly remarkable after thousands of years.

To date, the bog butter is now housed under the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin for further examination and research. According to Andy Halpin of the National Museum Irish Antiquities Division, in theory, this bog butter is still edible, but strongly advised against it.

Tagsbog butter, Ireland, ancient butter, emlagh bog, ancient relics, irish medieval times