Cream first, or jam first? It’s a question that never fails to divide people, from couples, to friends, and families everyone has their own hot take on cream tea etiquette.
And the answer is often very different depending on where you are in the UK, with those in Cornwall believing jam goes first, then clotted cream on top.
However, those in Devon are of the opinion that the cream is more like butter and should go on first.
But it seems the debate might have finally been settled once and for all, as scientists have revealed the best way to top your scone.
Researchers from the Centre for Industrial Rheology, which conducts testing into the behaviour of materials and viscosity, recently assessed the spreadability of clotted cream and jam.
Their findings revealed that the cream is more viscous and rigid then jam, meaning it’s harder to spread on the scone.
As such, they determined it should go on first as it provides ‘a good rigid base’ for the soft jam to then be applied on top of it.
And these experts weren’t the only ones who felt that the people of Devon were correct when it comes to making the perfect cream tea.
Cristina Solinas, the Head of the National Bakery School at London South Bank University, told MailOnline she also thinks cream should go before jam. However, she claimed there were a few other factors that needed to be considered as well, including the ratio of each.
‘The texture and consistency of both the jam and cream will contribute to how the scone feels when chewed,’ she said. ‘The proportion of jam to cream is obviously more important than the order in which they are eaten as they bring different textures/flavours to the experience.’
Cristina added that the jam on top also makes the scone look ‘nicer’ and ‘more vibrant’, and claimed she wouldn’t want to hide this under pale white cream.
Alongside your scones, you’ll likely also want to enjoy a pot of tea and it seems there are some common mistakes to avoid when brewing the perfect cuppa.
Angela Pryce, senior tea buyer at premium tea shop Whittard, claimed that you should never ‘hit your teabags on the side of your mug’.
She explained: ‘This could cause a tear in the material and the tea leaves escape into your cuppa.’
Her other top tip is to never ‘squeeze’ your tea bags, as Angela says this can make your tea taste bitter due to the release of tannic acids.
‘Instead, lift it out carefully after 3-5 minutes of brewing,’ she adds.
And if it’s a full on Afternoon Tea that you’re looking for, then we’ve got you covered as Metro.co.uk recently revealed their favourite ones in London to book now.
From Audrey Hepburn-themed teas with lipstick-shaped cakes, to one-of-a kind scientific experiences combining chemistry and gastronomy, there’s so much more going on in London than just a pot of tea, cucumber finger sandwiches, and a miniature Victoria sponge.
The afternoon tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane was a top pick, for overall value and experience. The Grand Saloon setting is an opulent backdrop for the theatre’s Regency-themed tea, with sparkling chandeliers, a grand piano, marble columns, and ornate ceilings. Even the toilets here are fancy AF.
And the food looks just as good as the decor, with stunning cakes by Lily Vanilli, served on fine bone china adorned with mythical characters. The attention to detail is spectacular.
But you won’t find any sandwiches being served here (except for the occasional ice cream sandwich in summer). Instead, the tea stand is laden with other delicious treats such as miniature pies, savoury madeleines, and tiny crumpets.
Prices here start from £59 for adults, with the option to upgrade to champagne afternoon tea for £10 extra. Children’s afternoon tea starts from £20 per person.
Other options on the list included Claridge’s, The Lanesborough, Larry’s, The Dorchester, and The Ampersand Hotel.
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