What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? (2024)

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What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US?

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What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? (4)

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ByCarly Weaver

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For some Americans, just hearing the words "clotted cream" makes them long to hop right over the pond to England and sit down to a fancy table piled high withfresh scones and fruity jams. The problem is, American fans would likely have to go all the way to England to get their hands on the good stuff, as it's nearly impossible to find clotted cream in the United States.

Clotted cream is a traditional English cream toppingenjoyed on scones in tea rooms across the country. This rich, light yellow spread is sometimes called Devonshire cream or Cornish clotted cream, depending on the region in which it was made. To be considered authentic clotted cream, it must typically be produced exclusively in either Devon or Cornwall.

Its exclusivity extends beyond England, however, as clotted cream is technically illegal in America. Why? True clotted cream is made with unpasteurized milk, andthe FDA officially banned the distribution of any milk or milk products that haven't been pasteurized in America in 1987. When it comes to clotted cream, the score is England: 1, America: 0.

Why is clotted cream illegal in the US?

What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? (5)

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Unpasteurized essentially means that the milk or cream is raw — it hasn't undergone any kind of processing to alter it or remove bacteria. The reason that clotted cream is made with unpasteurized milk is that the natural, unmodified structure of the fathelps it "clot," which occurs when the cream separates from the whey.

Pasteurization became a regular method of food safety in the U.S. back in the 1920s. It was introduced as a way to eliminate harmful germs or contamination, which were thought to cause widespread outbreaks of illness and disease. After proving to be a successful method to curb and reduce foodborne illness, it was eventually mandated at the federal level. According to the Virginia Department of Health, today most milk is pasteurized by either heating it to a minimum of145 degreesFahrenheit for at least 30 minutes, or to a minimum of 161 degreesFahrenheit for at least 15 seconds. This process kills off the bacteria, and then the milk is chilled again.

While states are able to make some of their own rules regarding raw and unpasteurized dairy, the distribution of such products is banned by the FDA, so you'll have a hard time finding clotted cream in any U.S. grocery store. Therefore, usually, the best way to get your hands on some is to make it yourself.

How to make your own clotted cream

What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? (6)

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If you're in one of those states that allows the sale of raw milk and you know where to find some, that's obviously the ideal starting point for your homemade clotted cream. If you're out of luck, stick to heavy cream — but look for one that's labeled "pasteurized" rather than "ultra-pasteurized" to ensure proper clotting. The good news is that making clotted cream is pretty easy. The bad news is that you'll need to put the time in.

Clotted cream is made by heating and then cooling full-fat milk or cream to achieve its thick, creamy consistency (similar to that of soft cream cheese or butter). To do this at home, first heat the cream in the oven in a shallow glass or ceramic pan. Let the cream slowly cook at 175 degreesFahrenheit for 12 hours.

Once it's out of the oven, let it cool for 30 minutes and then cover the cream, refrigerating it for another 12 hours. Once it's fully chilled, you'll be able to peel away the top layer of slightly cooked, "clotted" cream — that's the part you're after. The last step is to place the thickened cream in a separate bowl and stir it up until it reaches the smooth, creamy consistency you desire.

Where you can buy a version of clotted cream in the US

What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? (7)

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While you're unlikely to find authentic clotted cream in America, you can still purchase it online and at some major U.S. grocery stores. Just keep in mind that what you're buying is the FDA-approved, pasteurized version of clotted cream. Therefore, the flavor and texture may differ slightly from what you'd experience in England.

One of the major brands available for purchase in the U.S. is Devon Cream Company. You can find its jars of clotted cream in various sizes online at Amazon, or at several major grocery stores and retailers like Shoprite and Walmart. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, this clotted cream is free of additives and preservatives and will stay fresh for up to five days after opening.

You might also be able to find clotted cream products at specialty markets. Additionally, keep an eye out at bakeries or restaurants that serve this creamy goodness, as some also sell jars of it. Happy hunting!

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What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? (2024)

FAQs

What Is Clotted Cream And Why Is It Illegal In The US? ›

Most technically it's unpasteurized, unhom*ogenized milk, but for sake of easy argument let's call it unpasteurized. Pasteurizing milk heats it to kill off bacteria and other disease causing microbes. Pasteurizing milk became a federal requirement in 1924, aka The Year Clotted Cream Died.

Why is clotted cream banned in the USA? ›

Following a 1987 ruling from the Food and Drug Administration, the interstate sale of raw milk was banned in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raw milk can contain harmful bacteria and germs, which can be especially risky for certain individuals like those who are pregnant or elderly ...

What is the American equivalent of clotted cream? ›

In the U.S, clotted cream would be classed as butter due to its high fat content. Clotted cream is an essential part of a cream tea and is a huge hit with tourists in Devon and Cornwall.

Can you get clotted cream in the United States? ›

To be considered authentic clotted cream, it must typically be produced exclusively in either Devon or Cornwall. Its exclusivity extends beyond England, however, as clotted cream is technically illegal in America.

Can I take clotted cream to the USA? ›

It is absolutely permissable to bring clotted cream into the US from the UK. I've done it multiple times, but not in carry-on, it must go in checked baggage. Wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent leaks, pack in a soft cooler with a freezer block, declare on customs form et voila, clotted cream in the US!

Why is clotted cream so unhealthy? ›

Nutritionally, there is nothing particularly “bad” about clotted cream. However, it is worth noting just how rich in calories the cream is. As always, the caloric content of a food has no bearing on how healthy (or not) it is.

How do Brits eat clotted cream? ›

In the U.K., it's common to serve a dollop of clotted cream with fresh strawberries or other summer berries. You can use clotted cream in place of butter to accompany baked goods such as muffins and quick breads. Additionally, In the U.K., it's used to make confections such as fudge, ice cream and truffles.

What can I use on scones instead of clotted cream? ›

Crème fraîche can be used as a clotted cream substitute as a topping for fruit and baked goods as it has a similar thickness and creaminess to that of clotted cream.

What does clotted cream taste like? ›

Clotted cream has a unique taste, often described as being similar to a high-quality unsalted butter. It can also have nutty notes from the milk's long cooking time. When it comes to texture, clotted cream could be compared to softened cream cheese, with the richness falling somewhere between butter and whipped cream.

What do they call clotted cream in the US? ›

Butter is classified in America as clotted cream for its high fat content. It has the same thickness and creamy taste to that as the clotted cream. Buy 3 or more & receive a 5% discount or 6 for a 10% discount!

Do you refrigerate clotted cream? ›

An average rule of thumb is Clotted cream can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once opened it lasts for approximately 4 days, depending on how you refrigerate it. Unopened clotted cream will keep for longer, up to 14 days.

What is another name for clotted cream? ›

Clotted cream (Cornish: dehen molys, sometimes called scalded, clouted, Devonshire or Cornish cream) is a thick cream made by heating full-cream cow's milk using steam or a water bath and then leaving it in shallow pans to cool slowly.

Why is clotted cream so nice? ›

It's a very rich cream, it's very slightly sweet but only from the natural sugars in it, so sweet in the way that milk can be. What other things does the flavor compare to? Flavour-wise probably unsweetened whipped cream but with a very different texture.

Why doesn t the U.S. have clotted cream? ›

The thick white topping is mildly sweet and is made from milk that's been heated for several hours and then cooled until it thickens. Across the pond, unpasteurized milk is traditionally used, which is the reason why it's hard to find in the U.S.

What is the difference between clotted cream and Devonshire cream? ›

When it comes to Devonshire cream, however, they are actually the same thing. Devonshire cream simply refers to clotted cream that is made in Devon, and clotted cream made in Cornwall may also be referred to as Cornish cream.

Is whipping cream the same as clotted cream? ›

Whipped cream is simply cream with air beaten into it. Clotted cream is thicker and higher in fat than other creams. It is produced by slowly heating and cooling milk, rather than simply skimming off or mechanically concentrating the milk fat.

What is so good about clotted cream? ›

Clotted cream has a unique taste, often described as being similar to a high-quality unsalted butter. It can also have nutty notes from the milk's long cooking time. When it comes to texture, clotted cream could be compared to softened cream cheese, with the richness falling somewhere between butter and whipped cream.

Does clotted cream taste like whipped cream? ›

Clotted cream has a mildly sweet flavor often described as having a nutty, cooked milk taste. It has been characterized as falling somewhere between whipped cream and butter in terms of its richness.

Is clotted cream worse than double cream? ›

Double cream differs from clotted cream in both flavour and production method. It has a lighter, cleaner taste, and also contains less fat. Unlike clotted cream, which is heated to force the milk to separate into fat and liquid, double cream is left to separate naturally, with the cream rising to the top over time.

What is the US equivalent to double cream? ›

The British use double cream in recipes the way we use heavy cream or whipping cream here in the US, but they also allow it to accompany dessert the way we might use ice cream.

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