Clotted cream

Clotted cream is a thick, rich dairy product made from cow's milk.

It is famous for its high fat content, which is at least 55 percent. On average, the fat content reaches 64 percent. This is much higher than single cream, which contains only 18 percent fat. People describe its flavor as a rich, sweet, and nutty cooked milk. The texture is often grainy, and the crusty surface may have oily globules.

Because of its unique properties, it is a vital ingredient in the traditional cream tea.

The process of making clotted cream involves careful heating and slow cooling. In the "float cream method," a layer of double cream floats in milk within shallow trays. These trays are scalded using steam or a water bath for up to one hour. After heating, the mixture must cool slowly for 12 hours or more. This slow cooling allows the cream to rise and form "clots" or "clouts" on the surface. Another method is the "scald cream method," which uses mechanically separated cream. In this version, the milk layer is removed first, and the cream is heated at a lower temperature before being chilled.

There are several distinct ways this cream is used in food and culture. The most famous use is in a cream tea, which consists of scones, strawberry jam, and tea. There is a famous regional debate regarding how to assemble this snack. In Devon, the tradition is to spread the cream on the scone first, then add a dollop of jam. In Cornwall, the jam is spread first, followed by a dollop of cream. Other uses include adding it to savory dishes like mashed potatoes, risotto, or scrambled eggs. It is also used in confectionery, such as making fudge or ice cream.

The history of clotted cream is deeply tied to the dairy farms of South West England. While its exact origins are uncertain, it is strongly associated with Devon and Cornwall. Some folklore suggests Phoenician traders may have introduced it to Cornwall while searching for tin. Archaeologists have also looked at ancient stone structures called fogous, or souterrains, as possible cold stores for dairy.

These structures, along with medieval linhays, may have helped preserve milk and cream. There is also evidence of monks making clotted cream at Tavistock Abbey as early as the 14th century.

In the modern era, clotted cream has become a protected and significant industry. In 1998, "Cornish clotted cream" was granted a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) under European Union law. This status means the cream must be produced in Cornwall from local milk and have at least 55 percent fat. This designation was later registered under UK law following Brexit. The cream's distinct yellow color comes from high carotene levels in the grass that the cows eat.

Today, it is recognized as a geographical indication in several countries, including Switzerland, Norway, and Ukraine.

Commercial production of clotted cream is quite large in certain areas. Rodda's, a family-owned business in Scorrier, Cornwall, is the largest producer in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1890, the company has grown significantly over the decades. During peak times, such as the Christmas season, they can produce up to 25 tons of cream in a single day. They have even expanded into international markets by providing small tubs for airline in-flight desserts.

In the 19th century, people believed clotted cream was better nourishment than raw cream, which could easily go sour.

Clotted cream also holds a special place in literature and local folklore. It was mentioned in Edmund Spenser's poem, "The Shepheardes Calendar," in 1579. In many local myths, the cream plays a central role, such as a princess who had to bathe in pure cream to marry an elven prince. Even modern fantasy literature includes it, as clotted cream is listed as a staple food for the hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." Whether through ancient traditions or modern snacks, clotted cream remains a cherished part of British culinary identity.