heavy cream
Definition
Noun: A type of cream that contains a high percentage of milk fat, specifically more than 36% butterfat. It is a rich, thick dairy product used in cooking and baking.
Usage
"Heavy cream" is used as a singular, uncountable noun. It refers to the specific dairy product itself. * It is commonly called for in recipes to add richness, fat, and a smooth texture. * It can be whipped into whipped cream or used in its liquid form in sauces, soups, and desserts.
Examples
- In recipes: "For the best results, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form."
- As an ingredient: "The chef added a cup of heavy cream to the pasta sauce to make it creamy."
- Shopping: "I need to buy a pint of heavy cream from the grocery store."
Advanced Usage
- "To whip heavy cream": The process of beating air into the cream until it becomes thick and fluffy.
- Example: "You must chill the bowl before you whip the heavy cream."
- In a culinary context, its high fat content is often contrasted with lighter alternatives like "light cream" or "half-and-half."
Variants and Related Words
- Heavy whipping cream (n): A virtually identical product to heavy cream, also defined by its high butterfat content (usually 36% or more). The terms are often used interchangeably in recipes.
- Whipping cream (n): A cream with a slightly lower butterfat content (typically 30-36%) that can also be whipped but may yield a slightly less stable foam.
- Double cream (n): A British term for a very rich cream with an even higher butterfat content (around 48%).
Synonyms
- Manufacturing cream (n): An industrial term for cream with a very high butterfat content, often over 40%.
- High-fat cream (n): A descriptive synonym emphasizing its key characteristic.
Related Phrases
- "Reduce the heavy cream": A cooking instruction to simmer the cream so that some water content evaporates, thickening it and concentrating its flavor.
- Example: "After adding the herbs, reduce the heavy cream by one-third."
Noun
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contains more than 36% butterfat
