Unraveling the Delicate Art of Cream Teas: Devon vs. Cornish

Few things embody the quintessential British experience quite like a traditional cream tea. 

The combination of freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and jam served with a steaming pot of tea has become a cherished ritual across the United Kingdom. 

However, not all cream teas are created equal, and two distinct variations have emerged as regional favourites: the Devon cream tea and the Cornish cream tea. In this blog post, we'll explore the subtle yet significant differences that set these two delightful indulgences apart.

Origins:

To truly appreciate the differences, it's essential to understand the origins of both Devon and Cornish cream teas. Both regions claim to have perfected this delectable treat, and the debate over the "correct" way to enjoy a cream tea has sparked friendly rivalry for centuries.

Devon Cream Tea:

Devon, located in the southwestern part of England, is renowned for its lush landscapes and rich dairy farming tradition. The Devonshire method of serving cream tea places emphasis on the order of assembly. In a Devon cream tea, the scone is first split in half, and a generous dollop of clotted cream is spread on each half. The jam, usually strawberry, raspberry, or blackcurrant, is then applied on top of the cream.

The result is a luxurious indulgence where the rich, velvety clotted cream takes center stage, complemented by the sweet and tangy burst of flavor from the jam. Devonians firmly believe that this method allows the cream to be showcased at its best, creating a harmonious balance with the fruity jam.

Cornish Cream Tea:

In contrast, Cornwall, another picturesque county neighboring Devon, takes a slightly different approach to cream teas. Cornish cream teas are characterised by a reversed assembly process. Here, the scone is first split, and a dollop of jam is generously spread on each half. Clotted cream is then delicately placed on top of the jam.

Cornish cream tea enthusiasts argue that this method allows the sweetness of the jam to shine through, providing a perfect foil for the rich, creamy texture of the clotted cream. The cream, acting as a luxurious crown, adds a decadent finish to each bite.

While the differences between Devon and Cornish cream teas may seem subtle, they carry a deep cultural significance and pride for each region. Whether you find yourself in the rolling hills of Devon or the rugged coastline of Cornwall, indulging in a cream tea becomes a unique experience shaped by the local traditions.

Ultimately, the choice between a Devon cream tea and a Cornish cream tea comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer the velvety cream taking center stage or the sweet jam leading the way, both variations promise a delightful journey for your taste buds. So, the next time you find yourself in a quaint tearoom, consider the regional nuances that make each cream tea a cherished part of British culinary heritage.

Savouring Tradition: The Rich History of Devon Cream Teas

Devon Cream Teas, a delightful combination of freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam, have become synonymous with English afternoon tea. 

This beloved culinary tradition, hailing from the picturesque county of Devon, in the English Westcountry, has a rich history that dates back centuries. In this blog post, we'll take a journey through time to explore the origins and evolution of Devon cream teas.

The Origin:

The roots of Devon Cream Teas can be traced back to the early 16th century when the tradition of serving tea became popular in England. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that tea consumption gained widespread popularity. Initially, tea was enjoyed with savory treats, but it wasn't long before sweet accompaniments entered the scene.

The Scone Emerges:

The scone, a fundamental component of the Devon Cream Tea, has a history that predates the cream tea tradition itself. Originating in Scotland, the first known mention of a scone dates back to the early 16th century. These small, round cakes made from oats and baked on a griddle were a far cry from the sweet, soft scones we associate with cream teas today.

It wasn't until the 19th century, with the refinement of baking techniques and the addition of ingredients like baking powder, that scones as we know them today became a staple in afternoon tea. In Devon, the cream tea tradition began to take shape, with scones becoming the perfect vessel for the luxurious toppings that would follow.

Clotted Cream: The Star of the Show:

The crowning glory of a Devon Cream Tea is undoubtedly the clotted cream. This thick, velvety cream has been a staple in the English countryside for centuries. Its origins can be traced to the West Country, with Devon and Cornwall both claiming to be the birthplace of this indulgent delight.

Clotted cream is made by gently heating rich cream until a "clot" forms on the surface. This process gives the cream its distinctive thick texture and a subtle crust. Traditionally, clotted cream was made by allowing milk to stand in shallow pans, allowing the cream to rise and form clots. Today, modern dairy techniques have streamlined the process, but the essence remains the same.

The Spread of Devon Cream Teas:

Devon Cream Teas gained popularity beyond the English countryside during the 19th century. With the rise of tourism, especially in coastal regions like Devon, tea rooms and tearoom etiquette became an essential part of the British cultural experience. Visitors flocked to quaint tearooms to savor the delightful combination of warm scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam.

The Cream Tea Controversy:

One cannot delve into the history of Devon Cream Teas without addressing the great debate: Should the cream or the jam be spread first on the scone? In Devon, it's tradition to spread a generous dollop of clotted cream on the scone before topping it with a spoonful of strawberry jam. In neighboring Cornwall, however, the order is reversed, with jam taking precedence. This friendly rivalry has sparked countless discussions, but one thing remains certain – the combination of these simple ingredients creates a harmonious and delectable treat.

Devon Cream Teas have stood the test of time, evolving from a regional tradition to a beloved symbol of English culinary heritage. As you indulge in the delightful combination of warm scones, velvety clotted cream, and sweet strawberry jam, remember that you are partaking in a centuries-old tradition that continues to bring joy and satisfaction to tea enthusiasts around the world. 

So, the next time you find yourself in Devon or any tearoom that pays homage to this delightful tradition, savor the experience and appreciate the rich history that has made Devon Cream Teas a timeless delight.

(Image by GX6 from Pixabay)

Enjoy Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week With Darts Farm's Cream Tea Hamper Darts Farm

The South West is the home to our nation's best cream teas. So Darts Farm's Cream Tea Hamper, which is packed with West Country delights, so is absolutely perfect for celebrating Afternoon Tea Week (7th-13th August) in style. 

Cream Tea Hamper (starting at £29 from www.dartsfarm.co.uk)

This hamper has everything that you'll require to create a delicious Devonshire cream tea. You really can't beat a freshly baked Ryder's Bakery scone, especially when it is topped with a dollop of Rodda's clotted cream and Waterhouse Fayre strawberry jam alongside a freshly brewed cup of tea. 

They've also included two bottles of Luscombe's refreshing Sicilian Lemonade. There's only one question, cream or jam first? For an extra special treat, why not add a G&T or bottle of Devon sparkling fizz from Darts Farm's own Pebblebed Vineyards?

The contents are:-

Ryder's Bakery Scones x 4

A family run business, Ryder's have been hand-crafting their amazing baked goods in Devon for almost 50 years. Shaun & his son Sam use only traditional methods to hand-bake their classic Devonshire scones. 

Waterhouse Fayre Strawberry Jam

Ann and Neil Stallard began making their award-winning jams and preserves here in Devon with open preserve pans in small batches, to ensure maximum flavour and top quality!

Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade 27cl x 2

Based in South Devon, Gabriel David and his family have been crafting these delicious organic drinks for 45 years. By sourcing ingredients only from growers they know and trust they can guarantee that only the best goes into their bottles. This tangy, traditional lemonade is wonderfully refreshing. 

Rodda's Clotted Cream 200g 

When it comes to clotted cream, you simply cannot beat Rodda's. A family business with over 120 years of expertise, their rich and delicious cream is made using local Cornish milk and their traditional cooking method which gives it the perfect golden crust!

Brew Tea Bags (15)

Only hand-picked, rolled, whole-leaf tea goes into every batch of Brew Tea, which gives the amazing flavour.

Cream Tea hampers are available to buy in store and from www.dartsfarm.co.uk for nationwide delivery. Cream teas can also be enjoyed in Darts Farm's restaurant and Cow & Cacao Café!

By the way, at times hamper contents may vary due to stock availability, but items will be replaced with products of the same or higher value and quality.

For further information on Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.