The main difference between cream and heavy cream is that cream is a general term that refers to all types of cream products, while heavy cream is a cream with no less than 36% milk fat content.
It is quite difficult to differentiate between cream and heavy cream. This is because the term ‘cream’ in a more general sense refers to all the variations of cream such as whip cream, heavy cream, and light cream, while the term heavy cream refers to one such subtype that falls under the general group of cream products.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Cream
– Definition, Features, Types
2. What is Heavy Cream
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Cream and Heavy Cream
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Cream and Heavy Cream
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cream, Heavy Cream
What is Cream
The term cream generally refers to all types of cream products such as cream whip, heavy cream, half and half cream. These different cream products basically differ in their fat content and consistency. For instance, Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream have at least 36% milk fat, while light whipping cream is slightly lighter with its 30–35% milk fat content.
It is true that various cream products are differentiated based on their different fat content and based on the fact that if a particular variety of cream underwent processes such as being whipped or treated. However, when talking about the fat content of a specific type of cream in England, we cannot assume that the fat content of the same kind of cream in Germany is the same.
What is Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is a homogenized blend of milk and milk fat. It means that the fat heavy cream contains is emulsified and mixed well into the milk in order to make sure that it sticks to the mixture.
Usually, manufacturers make heavy cream by adding specific proportions of milk fat to milk. Therefore, the main difference between cream and heavy cream is the fat content. Generally, heavy cream contains no less than 36% milkfat. Therefore, heavy cream is frequently also called heavy whipping cream.
Heavy cream usually whips better and hold to its shape longer compared with other creams. Consequently, heavy cream is used for piping, toppings, and pastry fillings. Further, the high milk fat percentage of heavy cream makes it a better thickening source which could be used to increase the creaminess of soups and sauces.
Similarities Between Cream and Heavy Cream
- Cream refers to all the varieties of cream products, whereas heavy cream is a subtype that falls under the larger group of creams.
- Both cream and heavy cream are dairy products.
- These are used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes all around the world.
Difference Between Cream and Heavy Cream
Definition
Cream is a general term that refers to all the other types of cream products, while heavy cream is a cream with no less than 36% milk fat content.
Fat Content
The available milk fat content of heavy cream (which is normally no less than 36% milk fat content) is usually higher than the percentage of milk fat available in the other varieties of cream products such as whipping cream and half-and-half cream
Texture
Heavy cream usually holds to its shape longer compared with other creams, and the high milk fat percentage of heavy cream makes it a better thickening source used to increase the creaminess of soups and sauces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between cream and heavy cream is that cream generally refers to all types of cream products, while heavy cream is a subtype with no less than 36% milk fat content. If you are conscious about keeping your fat levels down, it would be better for you to go for a lighter version of cream rather than adding heavy cream to your diet.
Reference:
1. Stradley, Linda. “Cream Types and Definitions.” What’s Cooking America, 25 Oct. 2019.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Strawberry Pie With Cream” By Irita Antonevica (CC0) via Pexels
2. “Close up of whipping cream” By Marco Verch Professional Photographer (CC BY 2.0) via F oto.wuestenigel
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