Understanding Double Cream
Double cream is a rich dairy product that contains at least 48% milk fat, making it thicker and creamier than regular cream. It’s a staple in many recipes, particularly in British cuisine, where it is celebrated for its luxurious texture and versatile applications. Whether drizzling it over desserts, using it in cooking, or whipping it for toppings, double cream is prized for its ability to enhance flavors and provide a sumptuous mouthfeel.
What is Double Cream Made From?
Double cream is made by skimming the high-fat layer of milk, specifically from cows. The standard process involves separating the cream from the milk through a centrifugal machine which churns the mixture to isolate the heavier fat globules. Once separated, the cream can either be pasteurized for safety or left raw before being packaged for consumers. This high-fat content is what sets double cream apart from single cream, which contains around 18% to 25% milk fat.
The Nutritional Profile of Double Cream
When it comes to nutrition, double cream is calorie-dense due to its high fat content. On average, one tablespoon of double cream contains about 50 calories, with most of those calories coming from fat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional composition:
- Calories: Approximately 50 per tablespoon
- Total Fat: 5.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 grams
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Calcium: 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
While it provides beneficial nutrients like vitamin A and small amounts of calcium, the high saturated fat levels have led to health discussions about its inclusion in diets.
Uses of Double Cream
The culinary applications of double cream are vast and delicious. Here are some common ways to incorporate it into your cooking and baking:
1. Whipping Double Cream
Double cream whips excellently due to its high fat content, making it ideal for use in desserts like pavlova or as a topping on pies and cakes. To whip, simply chill the bowl and beaters, then whip the cream until it reaches soft or stiff peaks according to your preference.
2. Sauces and Soups
Double cream can enrich sauces and soups, providing a velvety texture. It’s often used in creamy pasta sauces, curries, or chowders. For best results, add it towards the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
3. Baking Ingredient
In baking, double cream can replace milk or single cream in recipes for cakes or bread, giving a richer flavor and moist texture.
4. Decadent Desserts
It is frequently a key ingredient in luxurious desserts such as mousses, ganaches, or custards, elevating the overall taste and experience.
Storing Double Cream
To maintain its freshness, double cream should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator and used within a few days after opening. If you have leftover whipped double cream, it can be kept in the fridge but will need re-whipping to regain its fluffy texture.
Double Cream vs. Other Cream Varieties
When it comes to cream, there are several varieties, each with unique structures and uses. Below, we compare double cream to other popular types:
Single Cream
Single cream contains 18% to 25% milk fat. It’s thinner than double cream and is typically used in coffee or poured over desserts but not recommended for whipping.
Whipping Cream
Whipping cream has about 30% to 36% milk fat, making it ideal for whipping but not as rich or stable as double cream.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream contains at least 36% milk fat and is similar to double cream, but it does not achieve the same thickness or luxurious mouthfeel.
FAQ Section
1. Can I substitute double cream for heavy cream in recipes?
Yes, you can substitute double cream for heavy cream in most recipes. However, keep in mind that double cream will add more richness and a thicker texture.
2. Is double cream the same as clotted cream?
No, double cream and clotted cream are different. Clotted cream has a unique texture and is made by heating cream at a low temperature, allowing it to thicken and form clots.
3. How long does double cream last?
If unopened, double cream can last up to three weeks in the fridge. Once opened, use it within 5 days for the best flavor and quality.
4. Can double cream be frozen?
While it is possible to freeze double cream, it may change texture once thawed, making it less suitable for whipping. It is best used in cooking after freezing.
The Bottom Line
Double cream represents a culinary gem, offering unparalleled richness and versatility in various dishes. Its high-fat content not only provides a delectable texture but also allows for unique flavor to shine through in recipes. Whether you choose to whip it, pour it, or incorporate it into your cooking, double cream is guaranteed to elevate your dishes to a new level of indulgence. Understanding its applications, storage, and nutritional profile can empower you to utilize this luxurious cream best.
Ready to experience the delights of double cream in your cooking? Explore new recipes or try substituting it in your favorite dishes for a rich twist that is sure to impress. Enjoy cooking with this decadent ingredient!
