Double cream contains double the fat that single or regular cream contains. This rich and thick dairy product is popular in Britain and is made using a certain process. It holds a special place in the hearts of those like cream in their desserts or other food items. A bottle of English Double Cream holds rich and flavourful dense cream that is delicious and enjoyable.
English Double Cream
English Double Cream is a thick and rich cream, with a high fat content of about 48%. It is smoother and creamier than the regular cream but not as thick as clotted cream. English Double Cream is made using high-quality organic milk, ensuring a rich and pure flavour. The cream has a fresh, healthy flavour because organic milk comes from cows that are reared in a natural environment on organic grass without the use of artificial hormones or pesticides. This commitment to using organic ingredients results in a product that is not only delicious but also aligns with sustainable and ethical farming practices. The cream’s purity and richness make it a versatile addition to a variety of dishes, enhancing their flavour while providing a touch of natural luxury.
The History Behind the Bottle of English Double Cream
The Devon Cream Company was established in 1984 and is a renowned producer of high-quality clotted cream loved by people across England. Owned by Coombe Castle Creamery in Wiltshire, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering delicious and authentic clotted cream for nearly 40 years.
The Devon Cream Company sources its cream from local Devonshire dairy farms where the cows are organically fed. This commitment to using fresh organic ingredients ensures that their clotted cream is not only rich and flavourful but also aligned with sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Over the years, The Devon Cream Company has become a trusted name in the dairy industry. It is known for maintaining traditional methods of cream production while prioritizing quality and taste.
Contents of English Double Cream
English Double Cream comprises of two main ingredients – organic milk and butterfat.
Organic Milk
Organic milk used in English Double Cream Devon comes from cows that are raised on farms adhering to strict organic farming standards. These cows are fed organic diets, which means their feed is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, organic farming practices ensure that cows are not treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics, which can sometimes be found in non-organic milk production.
The result is milk that is not only free from harmful chemicals but also richer in nutrients and flavour. The cows are often given more space to roam and are treated with higher welfare standards, which can contribute to the overall quality and taste of the milk. This pure and natural milk forms the base of English Double Cream Devon and gives it a fresh and wholesome flavour.
Butterfat
Butterfat is the fat component of milk and cream, and it is what gives English Double Cream Devon its luxurious richness and smooth texture. With a butterfat content of around 48%, this cream is much richer than regular cream, which contains about 18-30% butterfat.
The high butterfat content in English Double Cream Devon means that the cream is thick and can be whipped to a soft, pillowy consistency or used directly in cooking. The butterfat not only contributes to the cream’s richness but also enhances its flavour and gives it a satisfying feel that is perfect for desserts, sauces and toppings.
Since butterfat is responsible for the creamy, indulgent texture of the cream, the quality of the milk used to produce it is important. With organic milk, the butterfat is of the highest quality, adding to the overall purity and richness of the cream.
Nutritional Value
The Devon Cream Company's English Double Cream is rich and creamy, with a high amount of calories and fat, especially saturated fat, which gives it its thick texture. It has only a small amount of carbohydrates, protein, sugar and salt. While it is delicious and adds a luxurious touch to many dishes, it is best to enjoy it in moderation because of its richness.
How to Use English Double Cream?
There are many ways in which English Double Cream can be consumed. Here are a few interesting ways in which people love to enjoy this delicacy:
Pasta Sauces: Stir it into pasta sauces for a silky, creamy texture that pairs well with dishes like carbonara or Alfredo.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Add a splash to your coffee or hot chocolate for a rich, velvety taste.
Ice Cream Base: Use it as a base for homemade ice cream, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency.
Quiche and Frittatas: Mix it into the egg mixture for quiches or frittatas to make them extra creamy and flavourful.
Ganache: Combine it with chocolate to create a smooth ganache for frosting cakes or filling pastries.
Custards and Puddings: Incorporate it into custards, puddings, or flans for a richer, more indulgent dessert.
Gratin Dishes: Pour it over potatoes or vegetables before baking to create a creamy, golden gratin.
Fruit Dip: Mix with a bit of sugar and vanilla to create a simple, delicious dip for fresh fruit.
Sauce for Meat: Add to pan sauces for meats like steak or chicken to create a rich, creamy sauce.
Mousse: Fold it into chocolate or fruit purees to make a light and airy mousse.
Topping for Desserts: Pour it over fresh fruit, pies, or puddings for a rich and creamy finish.
Whipped Cream: Whip it up to make a thick, airy cream to use on cakes, scones, or hot chocolate.
Cooking: Add it to soups, sauces, or mashed potatoes to make them extra creamy and smooth.
Baking: Use it in recipes for cakes, pastries, or tarts to add moisture and richness.
Scones and Jam: Spread it on scones with a dollop of jam for a classic English treat known as a cream tea.
English Double Cream is a rich and creamy ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Whether in desserts or savoury meals, it adds a delicious touch and enhances the flavour of your food.