Many recipes, both savoury and sweet, will call for cream to aid the flavour and texture of the dish. Most commonly, recipes will state to use pouring cream. But as you will have seen, there are many creams to choose from, and those you come across will rarely say pouring on the carton. The most popular creams to use as pouring cream are single and double.
If you are feeling confused and left wondering what is pouring cream, and what the differences are between single and double cream, rest assured that you are not alone. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Cream?
Understanding what cream is is the first step in choosing the right cream for your recipe. To put it simply, cream is the layer of milk-fat that separates from unpasteurised milk. Being less dense than the milk, it rises to the top for straightforward extraction. It's this layer of milk-fat that dairy farmers will skim before beginning the process of pasteurisation. Pasteurisation ensures that the product is safe for consumption.
The type of cream that is produced will depend on the fat content that the dairy farmer chooses during standardisation. The higher the fat content, the thicker and richer the cream will become.
Single vs Double Cream
While all types of cream will deliver a great taste, each has different properties that make it better suited to certain recipes.
Single Cream
This is the best cream to use if a recipe asks for pouring cream. It's thinner in consistency compared with other cream products, which makes it better in certain recipes such as sauces and soups. You would struggle to whip single cream, which makes it less popular for some desserts, but it is fantastic to add to coffee or hot chocolate. It has a fat content of approximately 18%.
Double Cream
In some cases, double cream will also fall into the bracket of pouring cream. It commonly has a fat content of 45% or above, which makes it thicker than single cream. It is great for whipping or piping, which makes it a popular choice of cream to use for desserts, and its thick and creamy consistency also makes it a great addition in savoury dishes. It withstands boiling and freezes well, which is great for business owners or those who like to meal prep.
Other Types of Cream
There are many other varieties of cream that vary in thickness, richness and fat content. These are not categorised as pouring cream.
- Soured cream, which is treated with lactic acid.
- Creme fraiche, which is treated with lactic acid in smaller quantities.
- Clotted cream, which has the highest fat content.
- Cooking cream that is able to withstand high temperatures.
Each of these creams has its own unique properties, which make it suited to different dishes. Some are best enjoyed as an accompaniment to a dessert. Others should be included within soups and sauces to maximise creaminess, richness and flavour.
Purchase Ethical Dairy Products at The Little Big Dairy Co
Whether you are a business-owner who uses pouring cream daily or you simply love to try new recipes at home, choose The Little Big Dairy Co. With a variety of products that will ensure you ace your recipe, you can rely on us for high-quality, free-range, ethically sourced dairy products. Our cows are grass-fed, well-exercised and free from stress to produce quality pouring cream for you, your family and your customers to enjoy. Get started today by browsing our range online or heading to one of our stockists.