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Cream
View on WikipediaWhipped cream on top of apple crisp | |

Cream is a dairy product composed of the higher-fat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, the fat, which is less dense, eventually rises to the top. In the industrial production of cream, this process is accelerated by using centrifuges called "separators". In many countries, it is sold in several grades depending on the total butterfat content. It can be dried to a powder for shipment to distant markets, and contains high levels of saturated fat.[1][2]
Cream skimmed from milk may be called "sweet cream" to distinguish it from cream skimmed from whey, a by-product of cheese-making. Whey cream has a lower fat content and tastes more salty, tangy, and "cheesy".[3] In many countries partially fermented cream is also sold as: sour cream, crème fraîche, and so on. Both forms have many culinary uses in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Cream produced by cattle (particularly Jersey cattle) grazing on natural pasture often contains some fat-soluble carotenoid pigments derived from the plants they eat; traces of these intensely coloured pigments concentrated during separation give cream a slightly yellow hue, hence the name of the yellow-tinged off-white colour cream. Carotenoids are also the origin of butter's yellow colour. Cream from goat's milk, water buffalo milk, or from cows fed indoors on grain or grain-based pellets, is white.[4]
Cuisine
[edit]
Cream is used as an ingredient in many foods, including ice cream, many sauces, soups, stews, puddings, and some custard bases, and is also used for cakes. Whipped cream is served as a topping on ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, lassi, eggnog, sweet pies, strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. Cream is also used in Indian curries such as masala dishes. Both single and double cream (see Types for definitions) can be used in cooking. Double cream or full-fat crème fraîche is often used when the cream is added to a hot sauce, to prevent it separating or "splitting". Double cream can be thinned with milk to make an approximation of single cream.[citation needed]
Cream (usually light/single cream or half and half) may be added to coffee.[citation needed]
The French word crème denotes not only dairy cream but also other thick liquids such as sweet and savory custards, which are normally made with milk, not cream.[5]
Types
[edit]Different grades of cream are distinguished by their fat content, whether they have been heat-treated, whipped, and so on. In many jurisdictions, there are regulations for each type.[citation needed]
Australia and New Zealand
[edit]The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code – Standard 2.5.2 – Defines cream as a milk product comparatively rich in fat, in the form of an emulsion of fat-in-skim milk, which can be obtained by separation from milk. Cream sold without further specification must contain no less than 350 g/kg (35%) milk fat.[6]
Manufacturers labels may distinguish between different fat contents, a general guideline is as follows:
| Name | Fat content % | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| Extra light (or 'lite') | 12–12.5 | |
| Light (or 'lite') | 18–20 | |
| Thickened cream | 35–36.5 | Cream with added gelatine and/or other thickeners to give the cream a thicker texture, also possibly with stabilisers to aid the consistency of whipped cream. Such cream would not typically be used for cooking. |
| Cream | >= 35 | Recipes calling for cream are usually referring to pure cream with about 35% fat. This is used for cooking as well as for pouring and whipping. It is comparable to whipping cream in some other countries. |
| Double cream | 48–60 | [7] |
Canada
[edit]Canadian cream definitions are similar to those used in the United States, except for "light cream", which is very low-fat cream, usually with 5 or 6 percent butterfat.[8] Specific product characteristics are generally uniform throughout Canada, but names vary by both geographic and linguistic area and by manufacturer: "coffee cream" may be 10 or 18 percent cream and "half-and-half" (crème légère) may be 3, 5, 6 or 10 percent, all depending on location and brand.[9][10]
Regulations allow cream to contain acidity regulators and stabilizers. For whipping cream, allowed additives include skim milk powder (≤ 0.25%), glucose solids (≤ 0.1%), calcium sulphate (≤ 0.005%), and xanthan gum (≤ 0.02%).[11] The content of milk fat in canned cream must be displayed as a percentage followed by "milk fat", "B.F", or "M.F".[12]
| Name | Minimum milk fat % |
Additional definition | Main uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing cream | 40 | Crème fraîche is also 40–45% but is an acidified cultured product rather than sweet cream. | Commercial production. |
| Whipping cream | 33–36 | Also as cooking or "thick" cream 35% with added stabilizers. Heavy cream must be at least 36%. In Francophone areas: crème à fouetter 35%; and for cooking, crème à cuisson 35%, crème à l'ancienne 35% or crème épaisse 35%. | Whips into a creamy and smooth topping that is used for pastries, fresh fruits, desserts, hot cocoa, etc. Cooking version is formulated to resist breaking when heated (as in sauces). |
| Table cream | 15–18 | Coffee cream. Also as cooking or "thick" cream 15% with added stabilizers. In Francophone areas: crème de table 15% or crème à café 18%; and for cooking, crème champêtre 15%, crème campagnarde (country cream) 15% or crème épaisse 15%. | Added as rich whitener to coffee. Ideal for soups, sauces and veloutés. Garnishing fruit and desserts. Cooking version is formulated to resist breaking when heated. |
| Half and half | 10 | Cereal cream. Product with the most butterfat in the light cream category. In Francophone areas: crème à café 10% and sometimes crème légère 10%. Approximately equal to a 50/50 blend of table cream (at 16–18%) and whole milk (at 3.25%), hence the common name in English. | Poured over hot cereal as a garnish. Ideal in sauces for vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and pasta. Also in cream soups. |
| Light cream | 3–10 | Light cream 6%. In Francophone areas: mélange de lait et de crème pour café 5%, Crémette™ 5% or crème légère 3% to 10%. A mixture of milk and cream. | 5% product is similar to the richest Guernsey or Jersey milk. A lower fat alternative to table cream in coffee. |
France
[edit]In France, the use of the term "cream" for food products is defined by the decree 80-313 of April 23, 1980.[13] It specifies the minimum rate of milk fat (12%) as well as the rules for pasteurisation or UHT sterilisation. The mention "crème fraîche" (fresh cream) can only be used for pasteurised creams conditioned on production site within 24h after pasteurisation. Even if food additives complying with French and European laws are allowed, usually, none will be found in plain "crèmes" and "crèmes fraîches" apart from lactic ferments (some low cost creams (or close to creams) can contain thickening agents, but rarely).[citation needed] Fat content is commonly shown as "XX% M.G." ("matière grasse").
| Name | Milk fat % | Definition | Main uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without lactic ferments added (liquid texture) | |||
| Crème fraîche crue | 30-40 | Directly from the farm production. Local food circuits. No sterilisation and no pasteurisation. | |
| Crème fleurette | 30 | No sterilisation but pasteurised. Liquid and soft the first days, it gets heavier and develops a more pronounced taste with time. | Commonly used by cooks in restaurants. |
| Crème entière liquide | 22-40 | UHT sterilised (in France, a cream can not legally be called "fraîche" if it has been UHT sterilised). | |
| Crème fraîche liquide: | 30-40
(usually 30%) |
Pasteurised (can be called "fraîche"). | Mostly used for fruit desserts and to make crème chantilly or ganaches. Can also be used to make white sauces or added in soups or pastas. |
| Crème fraîche légère liquide | 12-21
(usually 15) |
Pasteurised (can be called "fraîche"). Less fat. | Can be used for the same recipes as the non diet one but sometimes considered as less tasty and/or less convenient to cook with. |
| With lactic ferments added (heavy texture) | |||
| Crème crue maturée | 30-40 | Directly from the farm production. Local food circuits. No sterilisation and no pasteurisation. | |
| Crème entière épaisse | 22-40 | UHT sterilised (in France, a cream can not legally be called "fraîche" if it has been UHT sterilised). | |
| Crème fraîche épaisse | 30-40
(usually 30) |
Pasteurised (can be called "fraîche"). | Suits best for cooking especially reductions and liaisons (used as a binding agent). Also used to cook quiches (such as quiche Lorraine). |
| Crème fraîche légère épaisse | 12-21
(usually 15) |
Pasteurised (can be called "fraîche"). Less fat. | Can be used for the same recipes as the non diet one but sometimes considered as less tasty and/or less convenient to cook with. |
| Crème aigre | 16-21 | More acidic taste. | Same product as the American sour cream or the Canadian crème sure, but rarely used in France. |
Russia
[edit]Russia, as well as other EAC countries, legally separates cream into two classes: normal (10–34% butterfat) and heavy (35–58%),[14] but the industry has pretty much standardized around the following types:
| English | Russian | Transliteration | Milk fat (wt%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-fat or drinking[14][15] cream | Нежирные (питьевые) сливки | Nezhirnÿe[16] (pityevÿe) slivki | 10% |
| (Normal) Cream | Сливки | Slivki | 15–20 |
| Whipping cream | Сливки для взбивания | Slivki dlya vzbivaniya | 33–35 |
| Double cream | Двойные (жирные) сливки | Dvoinÿe (Zhirnÿe) slivki | 48 |
Sweden
[edit]In Sweden, cream is usually sold as:
- Matlagningsgrädde ("cooking cream"), 10–15%
- Kaffegrädde ("Coffee cream"), 10–12%, earlier mostly 12%
- Vispgrädde (whipping cream), 36–40%, the 36% variant often has additives.
Mellangrädde (27%) is, nowadays, a less common variant. Gräddfil (usually 12%) and Creme Fraiche (usually around 35%) are two common sour cream products.
Switzerland
[edit]In Switzerland, the types of cream are legally defined[17] as follows:
| English[18] | German | French | Italian | Typical milk fat wt% |
Minimum milk fat wt% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double cream | Doppelrahm | double-crème | doppia panna | 45 | 45 |
| Full cream Whipping cream Cream |
Vollrahm Schlagrahm Rahm/Sahne |
crème entière crème à fouetter crème |
panna intera panna da montare panna |
35 | 35 |
| Half cream | Halbrahm | demi-crème | mezza panna | 25 | 15 |
| Coffee cream | Kaffeerahm | crème à café | panna da caffè | 15 | 15 |
Sour cream and crème fraîche (German: Sauerrahm, Crème fraîche; French: crème acidulée, crème fraîche; Italian: panna acidula, crème fraîche) are defined as cream soured by bacterial cultures.
Thick cream (German: verdickter Rahm; French: crème épaissie; Italian: panna addensata) is defined as cream thickened using thickening agents.
United Kingdom
[edit]In the United Kingdom, these types of cream are produced.[19] Fat content must meet the Food Labelling Regulations 1996.[20]
| Name | Minimum milk fat |
Additional definition | Main uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clotted cream[20] | 55 | is clotted (by heat treatment) | Clotted cream is the thickest cream available and a traditional part of a cream tea and is spread onto scones like butter. |
| Extra-thick double cream | 48 | is heat-treated, then quickly cooled | Extra-thick double cream is the second thickest cream available. It is spooned onto pies, puddings, and desserts due to its heavy consistency. |
| Double cream[20] | 48 | Double cream whips easily and produces heavy whipped cream for puddings and desserts. | |
| Whipping cream[20] | 35 | Whipping cream whips well and produces lighter whipped cream than double cream. | |
| Whipped cream[20] | 35 | has been whipped | Whipped cream is typically used for decorating cakes, as a topping on desserts, or as an accompaniment with fresh fruit. |
| Sterilized cream[20] | 23 | is sterilized | |
| Cream or single cream[20] | 18 | is not sterilized | Single cream is poured over puddings, used in sauces, and added to coffee. |
| Extra-thick single cream[19] | 18 | not sterilized; homogenised for consistency like double cream | |
| Sterilized half cream[20] | 12 | is sterilized | |
| Half cream[20] | 12 | Uncommon. Used in some cocktails. |
United States
[edit]In the United States, cream is usually sold as:
| Name | Fat content | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| Half and half | 10.5-18 | Half and half is equal parts milk and light cream, and is added to coffee. |
| Light cream | 18–30 | Light cream is added to coffee and hot cereal, and is also used as an ingredient in sauces and other recipes. |
| Whipping cream | 30–36 | Whipping cream is used in sauces and soups, and as a garnish. Whipping cream will only produce whipped cream with soft peaks. |
| Heavy (whipping) cream | 36+ | Heavy whipping cream produces whipped cream with stable peaks. |
| Manufacturer's cream | 36-40 [21] | Used in commercial and professional production applications. Not generally available at retail until recently[when?]. |
Not all grades are defined by all jurisdictions, and the exact fat content ranges vary. The above figures, except for "manufacturer's cream", are based on the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Part 131.[22][23]
Processing and additives
[edit]Cream may have thickening agents and stabilizers added. Thickeners include sodium alginate, carrageenan, gelatine, sodium bicarbonate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and alginic acid.[24]: 296 [25]
Other processing may be carried out. For example, cream has a tendency to produce oily globules (called "feathering") when added to coffee. The stability of the cream may be increased by increasing the non-fat solids content, which can be done by partial demineralisation and addition of sodium caseinate, although this is expensive.[24]: 297
Other cream products
[edit]
- Butter is made by churning cream to separate the butterfat and buttermilk. This can be done by hand or by machine.
- Whipped cream is made by whisking or mixing air into cream with more than 30% fat, to turn the liquid cream into a soft solid. Nitrous oxide, from whipped-cream chargers may also be used to make whipped cream.
- Sour cream, produced in many countries, is cream (12 to 16% or more milk fat) that has been subjected to a bacterial culture that produces lactic acid (0.5%+), which sours and thickens it.
- Crème fraîche (28% milk fat) is slightly soured with bacterial culture, but not as sour or as thick as sour cream. Mexican crema (or cream espesa) is similar to crème fraîche.
- Smetana is a heavy cream-derived (15–40% milk fat) Central and Eastern European sweet or sour cream.
- Rjome or rømme is Norwegian sour cream containing 35% milk fat, similar to Icelandic sýrður rjómi.
- Clotted cream in the United Kingdom is made through a process that starts by slowly heating whole milk to produce a very high-fat (55%) product, similar to Indian malai.
- Reduced cream is a cream product in New Zealand, often used to make Kiwi dip.
Other items called "cream"
[edit]Some non-edible substances are called creams due to their consistency: shoe cream is runny, unlike regular waxy shoe polish; hand/body "creme" or "skin cream" is meant for moisturizing the skin.[citation needed]
Regulations in many jurisdictions restrict the use of the word cream for foods. Words such as creme, kreme, creame, or whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip) are often used for products which cannot legally be called cream, though in some jurisdictions even these spellings may be disallowed, for example under the doctrine of idem sonans.[26][27] Oreo and Hydrox cookies are a type of sandwich cookie in which two biscuits have a soft, sweet filling between them that is called "crème filling." In some cases, foods can be described as cream although they do not contain predominantly milk fats; for example, in Britain, "ice cream" can contain non-milk fat (declared on the label) in addition to or instead of cream, and salad cream is the customary name for a non-dairy condiment that has been produced since the 1920s.[28]
In other languages, cognates of "cream" are also sometimes used for non-food products, such as fogkrém (Hungarian for toothpaste), or Sonnencreme (German for sunscreen).[citation needed]
Some products are described as "cream alternatives". For example, Elmlea Double, etc. are blends of buttermilk or lentils and vegetable oil with other additives sold by Upfield in the United Kingdom packaged and shelved in the same way as cream, labelled as having "a creamy taste".[29]
See also
[edit]- Creaming (chemistry)
- Buttercream
- Condensed milk
- Crème, a French culinary term for cream-like preparations
- Ice cream
- Kaymak, which is similar to clotted cream
- List of cream soups
- Milk skin
- Plant cream
References
[edit]- ^ "Nutrition for Everyone: Basics: Saturated Fat – DNPAO – CDC". www.cdc.gov. Archived from the original on 29 January 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ Choices, NHS. "Eat less saturated fat – Live Well – NHS Choices". www.nhs.uk. Archived from the original on 24 April 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ ""Everything Is In Butter" – Kosher". 8 June 2013. Archived from the original on 20 February 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ Marmion, Daniel; Updated By Staff (2012). "Colorants for Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics". Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. doi:10.1002/0471238961.0315121513011813.a01.pub3. ISBN 978-0471238966.
{{cite book}}:|last2=has generic name (help) - ^ Larousse Gastronomique, 1938, translated 1961, p. 337
- ^ Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Standard 2.5.2, Food Standards Variation Proposal P1025 – Code Revision). 25 March 2015. Retrieved 2016-10-26.
- ^ "Cream and Sour Cream". Choice. 26 February 2015. Archived from the original on 6 August 2008.
- ^ Canada, Dairy Farmers of. "5% or 6% Light Cream or Cream and Milk Blend for Coffee – Types of Cream – Cream – Dairy Goodness". www.dairygoodness.ca. Archived from the original on 2010-06-16. Retrieved 2010-05-14.
- ^ "What Type of Cream Should I Use?". 27 November 2016. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ "Tout sur la fabrication de la crème et ses bienfaits – La Famille du lait". metsdelacreme.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Food and Drug Regulations". 16 September 2021. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
- ^ Branch, Legislative Services. "Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Food and Drug Regulations". laws.justice.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 2017-07-15. Retrieved 2017-07-18.
- ^ Décret n° 80-313 du 23 avril 1980 relatif aux crèmes de lait destinées à la consommation, 1980-04-23, archived from the original on 2018-01-14, retrieved 2018-01-13
- ^ a b Eurasian Customs Union Technical Requirements "On milk and dairy products safety Archived 2016-06-09 at the Wayback Machine"
- ^ Legally, the "drinking cream" term denotes pasteurized and individually packed cream, and has nothing to do with its fat content.
- ^ "Ÿ" denotes Cyrillic letter Yery, which is here a separate vowel and should not be read as a part of a diphthong.
- ^ Verordnung des EDI über Lebensmittel tierischer Herkunft / Ordonnance du DFI sur les denrées alimentaires d'origine animale / Ordinanza del DFI sulle derrate alimentari di origine animale of 2010-11-23, SR/RS 817.022.108 (D·F·I), art. 48 (D·F·I)
- ^ The English terms are not legally regulated
- ^ a b "Types of cream". Waitrose. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "The Food Labelling Regulations 1996 No. 1499 SCHEDULE 8 PART III: Cream". UK Government legislation. Archived from the original on 2022-05-04. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
- ^ "cream".
- ^ "CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21". www.accessdata.fda.gov. Archived from the original on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ "Food and Drugs". www.access.gpo.gov. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ a b Dairy Fats and Related Products, edited by Adnan Tamime. This book has a great deal of technical information on cream and other dairy fat products. Extracts available on Google books [1] Archived 2023-04-15 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Carrageenan: food thickener and gelling agent from Hispanagar". www.hispanagar.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
- ^ 1952 Idaho Op. Atty. Gen. 20, cited in Smylie, Robert E. (1952-12-01). Thirty-First Biennial Report of the Attorney General of Idaho (PDF). Idaho Commission for Libraries. p. 33. OCLC 953006240. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-12-05. Retrieved 2018-12-05.
Unless a frozen novelty or dessert meets the legal requirements for "ice cream", it cannot use the words "creme", "Kreme", etc.
- ^ "Instant Whipped Vegetable Fat Toppings". Report of the Joint Legislative Committee on Imitation Food Products and Problems to the Legislature. New York State Legislature. 1955. pp. 23–34. OCLC 10325809.
- ^ "Ministry of Food.—statutory rules and orders". Analyst. 70 (833): 306–307. 1 January 1945. Bibcode:1945Ana....70..306.. doi:10.1039/AN9457000306.
- ^ "Elmlea Products". Elmlea. Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2022.
Elmlea Double Plant Alternative: Lentil preparation (water, 1.1% lentil protein), 31% Vegetable Oils (Palm, Rapeseed), Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, Emulsifiers (Sunflower Lecithin, Sugar Esters of Fatty Acids, Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum), Natural Flavour, Salt, Colour (Carotene)
External links
[edit]Cream
View on GrokipediaDefinition and History
Definition
Cream is a dairy product consisting of the high-fat fraction separated from whole milk, forming an oil-in-water emulsion where milk fat globules are dispersed in an aqueous phase of skim milk, water, proteins, and lactose. It typically contains 10% to 40% milk fat by weight, with variations such as half-and-half (10.5-18%), light cream (18-30%), and heavy cream (36-40% or more).[4] Traditionally, cream was separated from milk by allowing it to rise naturally to the surface through gravity, a method used for millennia before mechanical innovations. This fat content distinguishes cream from lower-fat milk products and positions it as a versatile ingredient in culinary applications. In major jurisdictions, legal standards define cream based on minimum fat percentages to ensure consistent quality and labeling. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration requires cream to contain at least 18% milk fat.[5] In the European Union, the term "cream" is reserved exclusively for products derived from milk under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1898/87; minimum fat content is defined nationally, typically at least 30% in many member states. These thresholds differentiate cream from whole milk (approximately 3.25-3.5% fat) and skim milk (0.5% fat or less), while excluding butter, which is produced by agitating cream to yield a solid fat product with at least 80% milk fat.[6][7] Cream exhibits basic physical properties that reflect its composition, including a color ranging from white to pale yellow, attributed to β-carotene in the fat fraction.[8] Its texture is fluid and viscous in liquid form, but higher-fat types can incorporate air to form a semi-solid whipped structure. Shelf life under refrigeration is generally 2-3 weeks for pasteurized cream, limited by microbial growth and fat oxidation.[9]History
The use of cream as a dairy product dates back to ancient civilizations, where natural skimming methods were employed to separate it from milk. In ancient Egypt during the Pharaonic period (circa 3200–332 BCE), dairy manufacturing involved basic separation techniques to obtain cream, which was integrated into local food preparations alongside cheese and butter production.[10] During the Middle Ages in Europe, cream production advanced through monastic communities, which played a central role in dairy farming and preservation techniques. Monasteries managed extensive agricultural estates that included milk processing to support self-sufficiency and regional trade. In England, medieval records highlight involvement in dairy output, with cream often produced via natural settling or gentle heating methods to create preserved forms like clotted cream, which facilitated trade across markets.[11] The 19th century marked a pivotal shift toward industrialization in cream production, driven by technological innovations that enabled efficient large-scale separation. In 1878, Swedish engineer Gustaf de Laval patented the first practical centrifugal cream separator, which revolutionized the process by rapidly spinning milk to separate cream without relying on gravity or manual skimming, thereby boosting dairy output for commercial use.[12] In the 20th century, further advancements focused on preservation and uniformity, with ultra-high-temperature (UHT) processing emerging in the 1960s to extend shelf life through rapid heating and aseptic packaging. This method, initially applied to milk and cream mixes in the late 1950s and commercialized for fluid dairy products by the mid-1960s, allowed for longer storage without refrigeration while maintaining quality.[13] Post-World War II, global standardization efforts by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed testing methods and hygiene protocols for dairy processing, including fat content determination in cream, to facilitate international trade and ensure consistent product safety across regions.[14] Culturally, cream gained prominence in French cuisine during the Renaissance, as Italian influences introduced richer dairy applications in sauces and desserts, elevating its status from a basic ingredient to a staple in refined dishes.[15]Production and Processing
Milk Separation
The initial extraction of cream from raw milk relies on separating the lighter milk fat globules from the denser skim milk components. This process exploits differences in density, where fat, being less dense, naturally rises or is mechanically directed away from the aqueous phase. In the traditional natural skimming method, raw milk is allowed to stand undisturbed in a container, permitting gravity to cause the fat globules to coalesce and float to the surface over time, forming a distinct cream layer that is then manually skimmed off. This pre-industrial technique typically requires 12 to 24 hours for effective separation, depending on factors such as milk freshness and ambient temperature, and was widely practiced before mechanical innovations.[16][17] The modern centrifugation method uses high-speed separators to accelerate this separation efficiently on an industrial scale. Milk is fed into a rotating bowl containing stacked conical discs, spinning at 6,000 to 10,000 RPM, which generates centrifugal force thousands of times stronger than gravity; this force drives lighter cream towards the center and outwards through axial outlets, while heavier skim milk is directed to peripheral channels.[18][19][20] Several factors influence the yield and quality of separated cream. The fat content of whole cow's milk, averaging 3 to 5% by weight, directly determines the potential volume of cream, as higher initial fat levels produce more extractable cream. Optimal separation occurs at temperatures of 35 to 40°C, where milk viscosity is reduced without risking bacterial growth or fat damage, enhancing the efficiency of both natural and centrifugal methods. Breed variations also play a role; for instance, Jersey cows produce milk with richer fat content (around 5%), yielding higher-quality cream compared to Holstein breeds (typically 3.5 to 4%).[21][22][23] Yield calculations for cream are based on the fat balance equation, accounting for the fat percentage in the original milk, the desired fat in the cream, and residual fat in skim milk (usually 0.05 to 0.1%). For milk with 4% fat separated into cream at 40% fat, the cream yield is approximately 10% of the original milk volume, as the total fat mass is concentrated into this smaller portion while minimizing losses in the skim.[19][24]Homogenization and Pasteurization
After separation, cream undergoes homogenization to achieve a stable emulsion. This process involves forcing the cream through small nozzles or orifices in a high-pressure homogenizer at 100-200 bar, which mechanically disrupts the fat globules, reducing their average diameter from 3-10 μm to less than 1 μm.[25][26] By breaking down these globules and increasing their surface area, homogenization prevents creaming and separation, resulting in a smoother, more uniform texture suitable for further processing or direct consumption.[27] Industrial homogenizers, often operating in single- or two-stage configurations, are the standard equipment for this step, with the first stage handling the majority of the pressure to achieve efficient fat disruption.[28] Pasteurization follows homogenization to ensure microbial safety while preserving quality. The high-temperature short-time (HTST) method heats cream to 72°C for 15 seconds, effectively killing pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and other bacteria without significantly altering taste or nutritional profile.[29][30] For extended shelf life, ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization is used, treating cream at 135-150°C for 1-2 seconds, which achieves near-sterility and allows ambient storage.[31] This thermal treatment denatures harmful microorganisms while maintaining the cream's creamy consistency, as the brief exposure limits flavor changes like cooked notes.[32] Plate heat exchangers are typically employed for pasteurization, providing rapid, controlled heating and cooling in a continuous flow system.[33]Additives and Standardization
To ensure consistency in texture and prevent issues such as separation or collapse during whipping, dairy cream often incorporates stabilizers like carrageenan at levels typically ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% by weight.[34] This seaweed-derived polysaccharide interacts with milk proteins to enhance viscosity and foam stability without altering flavor.[35] Emulsifiers, such as mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, are also commonly added to promote uniform fat distribution and extend shelf life in processed creams, functioning by reducing surface tension between fat globules and the aqueous phase.[36] Standardization of cream involves precisely adjusting the fat content through blending with skim milk, whole milk, or other dairy fractions to achieve targeted percentages required for specific products. For instance, half-and-half is standardized to contain between 10.5% and 18% milk fat by combining equal parts of whole milk (approximately 3.25% fat) and light cream (around 18-30% fat), ensuring uniformity across batches for commercial consistency. This process, often automated in production facilities, maintains product quality while complying with regulatory definitions.[37] International regulations govern the use of additives in cream to prioritize safety and authenticity. In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 permits certain stabilizers and emulsifiers, such as carrageenan (E 407), at quantum satis levels in unflavored pasteurized cream (category 01.6.1).[38] In the United States, the FDA allows stabilizers and emulsifiers as "safe and suitable" ingredients in creams like heavy cream and half-and-half under 21 CFR Part 131, without a universal percentage cap but subject to good manufacturing practices that limit usage to the minimum necessary for functionality, often not exceeding 0.5% for specific emulsifiers like sodium stearoyl lactylate.[5] Quality control in cream production includes rigorous testing to verify safety and purity, such as measuring somatic cell counts to assess udder health and milk quality, with limits not exceeding 750,000 cells per milliliter as per the FDA's Pasteurized Milk Ordinance standards, which apply to the raw milk used in cream separation.[39] Additionally, screening for antibiotic residues is mandatory through methods like microbial inhibition tests or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to ensure levels remain below maximum residue limits (e.g., zero tolerance for many beta-lactams in the U.S.), preventing contamination that could affect downstream processing or consumer health.[40] These tests are conducted at multiple stages, from farm bulk tanks to final product, to uphold market compliance.[41]Composition and Nutrition
Chemical Composition
Cream, as the lipid-rich fraction separated from bovine milk, consists primarily of water, fat, proteins, lactose, and minerals, with the exact proportions varying based on the fat content, which typically ranges from 10% to 40% in commercial products. For heavy whipping cream (approximately 36% fat), water constitutes about 58% of the total composition, serving as the continuous phase in which other components are dispersed. The fat phase, comprising roughly 36%, is predominantly triglycerides, which account for over 98% of the milk fat content and form the core of milk fat globules.[42] Proteins make up 2-3% of cream, including casein micelles and whey proteins that contribute to its structural stability, while lactose, the primary carbohydrate, is present at 3-4% and imparts mild sweetness. Minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, comprise about 0.7-1%, primarily in ionic forms that support emulsification and buffering.[43] The fat in cream is structured as globules with an average diameter of 3-5 μm, enveloped by a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) that consists of a trilayer of phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin) and glycoproteins, comprising 2-6% of the total fat mass. This membrane, derived from the mammary epithelial cell secretions, stabilizes the emulsion by preventing coalescence. Triglycerides within the globules are esterified from a mix of fatty acids, with saturated fats dominating at 65-70% of the total, including palmitic acid (C16:0) as the most abundant at around 25-30%. Unsaturated fatty acids account for 30-35%, primarily oleic acid (C18:1) at approximately 25%, which influences the cream's fluidity and whipping properties.[44][45] Cream exhibits a slightly acidic pH range of 6.6-6.7, similar to that of whole milk, due to the presence of phosphates and citrates that maintain colloidal stability. Its density varies with fat content, typically falling between 0.99 and 1.03 g/cm³ at 20°C, lower than milk's due to the buoyant fat globules. Variations in chemical composition can occur based on the animal's diet; for instance, cream from grass-fed cows contains higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a bioactive unsaturated fatty acid, often 2-4 times more than in grain-fed counterparts, reaching up to 118 mg per tablespoon in heavy cream.[46][47][48]Nutritional Content
Cream exhibits high caloric density, typically ranging from 300 to 400 kcal per 100 grams, with the energy primarily sourced from its fat content. For heavy cream (at least 36% fat), this equates to approximately 340 kcal per 100 grams.[49] The macronutrient composition of cream includes 30 to 40 grams of fat, about 2 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams, with the carbohydrates mainly comprising lactose. In heavy cream, the breakdown is 36.1 grams of fat, 2.8 grams of protein, and 2.8 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams.[49] Cream provides notable amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A (often as vitamin A palmitate) at 300 to 400 μg per 100 grams, vitamin D at 0.1 to 0.5 μg per 100 grams, and vitamin E, alongside riboflavin (vitamin B2) at around 0.2 mg per 100 grams. For heavy cream, these values are 408 μg for vitamin A, 1.6 μg for vitamin D, 0.9 mg for vitamin E, and 0.2 mg for riboflavin per 100 grams.[49] Key minerals in cream include calcium at approximately 65 mg per 100 grams and potassium at about 95 mg per 100 grams. In heavy cream, calcium measures 66 mg and potassium 94 mg per 100 grams.[49]| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g (Heavy Cream) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal | 17% |
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% |
| Protein | 2.8 g | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 2.8 g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 408 μg | 45% |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 μg | 8% |
| Vitamin E | 0.9 mg | 6% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2 mg | 15% |
| Calcium | 66 mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 94 mg | 2% |