Double Cream
By: Anonymous

About

Double cream is the name in Britain for a very rich cream — containing 48%% butterfat.

Information
Other names: Extra-Heavy Cream


Physical Description
Double Cream contains a minimum fat content of 48%. It is produced by centrifugal force to separate the butterfat from the milk. Double Cream may be slightly homogenised under low pressure to give a little extra body
Colors: white


Tasting Notes
Mouthfeel: Very rich and creamy, At times a bit oily.
Food complements: Desserts, Puddings
Wine complements: Vin santo, Muscato, Champagne, Sparkling, Ice wine, Or dessert wine
Beverage complements: Cognac or brandy
Substitutes: Heavy or whipping cream (choose highest butterfat you can find)


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Peak: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Buying: In the US, you may need to seek double cream at an actual dairy or high end specialty food store as most major chains and markets offer heavy cream which can be as much as 25% less butterfat than a true double cream. Double Cream will have about 48% butterfat.


Preparation and Use
Double Cream can not only be whipped, it will whip up firmer than whipping cream, which is why fancy cake makers will prefer it to whipping cream. If you want it less firm but to have more volume, add a tablespoon of milk or an egg white per 5 oz (2/3 cup / 150ml) before whipping (this lowers the butterfat content a bit, making it a bit less dense, allowing more air in and thus more volume.) Don't overwhip, though, or it will take on a grainy appearance, and if you kept on overwhipping, you'd practically end up with butter.
Double cream is generally considered for use in chilled desserts such as puddings or as a topping itself, separation can occur with heating or used with acidic foods.
Cleaning: n/a


Conserving and Storing
Can be frozen for up to two months, but when thawed, use for cooking rather than as a topping



Social/Political
In the United Kingdom you will find that the butterfat content is legally defined at 48%, whereas the US does not regulate use of terms such as "heavy" or "light" cream. Canada and Australia follow similar form to the US, with the exception that "light" will mean low fat in Canada. These countries can vary, by producer, a range of about 10%.