What Makes the Best Cornish Cream Tea?

When it comes to indulging in a quintessentially British treat, few things can beat a traditional Cornish cream tea. But what makes a perfect cream tea? Is it the quality of the tea, the scones, or the jam and cream?

The Best Cornish Cream Tea in Harlyn Bay

As connoisseurs of this delightful delicacy, we have done our research and are ready to share our findings on how you can get the best Cornish cream tea in and around Harlyn Bay during your stay at our beach holiday cottage.

First and foremost, a good Cornish cream tea starts with freshly baked scones. Ideally, they should be warm and crumbly on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside. The type of flour used can also make a big difference, with some bakers preferring to use a blend of plain and self-raising flour for the perfect texture. Of course, no scone is complete without a generous dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam, but we'll get to that later.

History of Cornish Cream Tea

Cornish cream tea is a traditional British afternoon tea that originated in the county of Cornwall, located here in the southwest of England. The origins of Cornish cream tea can be traced back to the early 19th century, when tea drinking became popular in England. The traditional Cornish cream tea consists of a pot of tea, scones, Cornish clotted cream, and strawberry jam. The scones are typically served warm, and are split in half and topped with a generous dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam.
 
The fierce debate over whether to spread the jam or cream first on the scone is still ongoing, with some regions of Devon and Cornwall preferring jam first and others preferring cream first. Nevertheless, it's fair to say that Cornish clotted cream remains the defining ingredient in Cornish cream tea.

You can rest assured that we've done our own research here at Harlyn Bay Cottage but we would love to hear where you find the best Cornish cream tea experience.

Quality Ingredients

When it comes to making the best Cornish cream tea, there are a few essential ingredients that simply cannot be overlooked. Here are the key components that make up a truly delicious and authentic Cornish cream tea.

Cornish Clotted Cream First and foremost, no Cornish cream tea is complete without a generous dollop of rich, creamy clotted cream. This luxurious dairy product is made by heating unpasteurized cow's milk until a thick layer of cream forms on the surface, which is then skimmed off and left to cool and develop its characteristic crust. The resulting clotted cream is thick, velvety, and indulgently rich, and is the perfect accompaniment to a freshly baked scone.

Scones Speaking of scones, these delicious baked goods are another essential component of a Cornish cream tea. Traditionally, Cornish scones are made with a simple mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and milk, and are baked until golden and fluffy. The key to a good scone is to keep the mixture light and airy, and to handle the dough as little as possible to avoid toughening it up.

Strawberry Jam Of course, no cream tea would be complete without a sweet and fruity jam to spread on top of the scones. In Cornwall, strawberry jam is the traditional choice, and for good reason - the bright, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries pairs perfectly with the rich cream and buttery scones. Look for a good-quality jam made with fresh fruit and minimal added sugar for the best results.

Tea Selection Last but not least, the tea itself is a crucial component of any cream tea. In Cornwall, a strong and robust black tea is the traditional choice, often served with a splash of milk to balance out the tannins. Look for a good-quality loose leaf tea for the best flavor, and consider adding a slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey to customize your brew to your liking.

Cream Tea Hack

Of course, this might sound like too much effort - you're on holiday in Harlyn Bay, after all. So why not ditch the idea of using our fully fitted kitchen to bake your own scones and prepare your own Cornish cream tea and, instead, go visit one of our many local food shops and cafes?

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