When it comes to indulging in the delightful British tradition of cream tea, the choice between Cornish and Devon styles can stir up passionate debates.
Both variations boast a delectable combination of scones, clotted cream, and jam, yet each has its distinct features that set them apart.
Cornish Cream Tea
Cornwall proudly claims its cream tea tradition, advocating for a specific order when assembling this delightful treat.
In the Cornish style, the scone is first adorned with a generous dollop of clotted cream, acting as a luscious foundation for the sweet fruit jam that follows.
This method, known as the "Cornish way," emphasizes the rich and velvety texture of the clotted cream, elevating the entire experience.
Devon Cream Tea
On the flip side, Devon's take on cream tea follows a contrasting protocol.
Devonshire tradition dictates spreading the scone with jam first, allowing the fruity sweetness to take center stage.
Subsequently, a dollop of clotted cream is delicately placed atop the jam, creating a tantalizing contrast of flavors that the Devonshire cream tea enthusiasts swear by.
The Cream Dilemma: Clotted or Devonshire Cream?
The primary discrepancy between these two sumptuous traditions lies in the cream itself.
Clotted cream, with its thick, indulgent consistency and slightly nutty undertones, reigns supreme in Cornish cream tea.
Meanwhile, Devonshire cream, often referred to as Devonshire or Devon clotted cream, boasts a smoother, slightly lighter texture, complementing the fruity jam in Devon-style cream tea.
The Never-Ending Debate
The battle between Cornwall and Devon over the "right" way to enjoy cream tea remains a lighthearted yet fervent rivalry, with locals and aficionados defending their regional customs with great pride.
However, for visitors, the choice often boils down to personal taste preferences—whether favoring the cream-first Cornish method or the jam-first Devonshire style.
So, Which is Superior?
Ultimately, the rivalry between Cornish and Devon cream teas is more about regional pride and tradition than declaring a definitive winner.
Both variations offer a tantalizing medley of flavors, inviting enthusiasts to savor the joyous experience of scones, clotted cream, and jam in their preferred sequence.
Whether you lean towards the rich and velvety embrace of Cornish cream tea or the harmonious blend of flavors in Devonshire cream tea, indulging in either promises a delightful journey through British culinary heritage.
In the end, the real winner is anyone fortunate enough to partake in the delightful ritual of cream tea, relishing in the unique charms offered by both Cornwall and Devon.
