Cream tea

Cream tea is a traditional British afternoon meal, typically served in the late afternoon. It consists of tea served with a combination of scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam. The tradition of cream tea dates back to the 11th century and is particularly associated with the counties of Devon and Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

History

The tradition of cream tea can be traced back to the 11th century, when monks at the Tavistock Abbey in Devon would serve bread with clotted cream and strawberry jam to local workers who helped rebuild the abbey after a Viking raid. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that cream tea became a popular afternoon meal in its current form.

Components

Tea

The tea served with cream tea is typically a strong, hot black tea. Popular choices include English breakfast tea and Darjeeling tea. The tea is usually served with milk and sugar to taste.

Scones

Scones are a type of baked bread product, made with wheat, or oatmeal and baking powder. They are lightly sweetened and often glazed with egg wash. The scones served with cream tea are typically plain or fruit scones.

Clotted Cream

Clotted cream is a thick, rich, creamy spread, made by indirectly heating full-cream cow's milk using steam or a water bath and then leaving it in shallow pans to cool slowly. It is particularly associated with the English counties of Devon and Cornwall.

Strawberry Jam

Strawberry jam is a type of fruit preserve made from strawberries and sugar. The jam served with cream tea is typically homemade and has a chunky texture.

Devonshire and Cornish Cream Teas

There is a long-standing debate between the counties of Devon and Cornwall about the correct order of toppings on a scone. In Devon, the cream is spread on the scone first, followed by the jam (a Devonshire tea), while in Cornwall, the jam is spread first, followed by the cream (a Cornish cream tea).

See Also

• Afternoon tea
• High tea
• List of British desserts

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  A traditional Devonshire tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam.
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  Freshly baked scones ready to be served with cream and jam.
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  A Cornish cream tea featuring scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam.