When it comes to the UK's culinary treasures, there are few things as quintessentially British as tea and scones. The Cream Tea, a delightful afternoon treat, has been enjoyed for generations. While it's a beloved tradition across the country, there's a friendly rivalry between two regions in England: Cornwall and Devon. Both claim to have the best version of this classic delicacy.
Before we dive into the details, let's establish what a Cream Tea is. It's a simple but exquisite combination of tea served with scones, clotted cream, and jam. The true essence of the debate lies in the order in which the cream and jam are applied to the scone.
In Cornwall, they uphold the "Jam First" approach. Here, you spread a layer of jam on the scone first, followed by a dollop of clotted cream. The clotted cream, while equally sumptuous, sits atop the jam, creating a striking visual contrast. The idea behind this method is to create a harmonious balance of flavours, where the sweet, fruity jam is complemented by the creamy, slightly savoury clotted cream.
In neighbouring Devon, they staunchly adhere to the "Cream First" method. This means that you start by spreading a generous layer of clotted cream on the scone and then top it with a dollop of jam. Clotted cream is a rich, thick cream with a golden crust on top, giving it a luxurious texture and a slightly nutty flavour. Cornish Cream Teas are known for their indulgent, creamy topping, and the jam adds a sweet contrast to the richness of the cream.
So, which is better – Cornish Cream Tea or Devon Cream Tea? The answer largely depends on your personal taste. If you prefer a rich, indulgent cream as the star of your scone, you'll likely flavour the Devon method. On the other hand, if you appreciate the perfect harmony of sweet, fruity jam with a creamy topping, you'll opt for the Cornish approach.
Ultimately, the debate between Cornish and Devon Cream Teas is a testament to the diversity of British culinary traditions. Whichever side you choose, you're in for a delightful and utterly British experience that's steeped in history and deliciousness. So, why not try both and decide for yourself? After all, the best Cream Tea is the one you enjoy the most.
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