CREAM
Cream is a dairy product rich in fat, which is obtained from milk in
repose or centrifugation. It is widely used in cuisine due to its
delicate taste and versatility.
Dr. Ana
Haro García
Institute for Nutrition and Food Technology
University of Granada
Types of cream
Food legislation establishes the classification and denomination of
different types of cream based on different criteria:
· By origin
Cream or cow's cream is the denomination given to the product obtained
exclusively from cow's milk. In the event that it is prepared
with milk from any other animal species (sheep, goat) the species of
the animal or animals (in the event of a combination of
milks) from which it originated must be indicated within the
denomination.
·
By the
process used to obtain it
Cream can be obtained through
repose or centrifugation.
The end result is skimmed milk and an emulsion of fat in
water
(milk whey) which is cream.
Cream is produced spontaneously from milk after it has been left in
repose for 24 to 48 hours. During this time, the globules of fat, due
to their inferior density, rise to the surface facilitating their
separation from the rest of the milk components. This cream is called
sour cream, characterised by a typical taste and aroma, consequence of
the fermentations of lactic bacteria.
Cream obtained from milk through a process of centrifugation in
skimmers or other mechanisms, receives the name sweet cream. This cream
is less aromatic than sour cream and is sometimes innoculated with
micro-organisms capable of generating aromatic compounds.
· By composition
Depending on its fat content, expressed as a percentage of fat content
per end product weight, cream is classified as either clotted cream
(>50% fat content), double cream (with a minimum of 30% and
maximum
of 50% fat content) and single cream (with a minimum of 12% and a
mximum of 30% fat content).
· By hygienic
treatment and conservation
Cream can be subjected to sanitization, sterilisation, homogenization
and even freezing procedures, thereby establishing different types of
cream.
- Pasteurised cream, that which has been subjected to temperatures of
between 75ºC and 85ºC, for fifteen seconds, for the
purposes
of guaranteeing the total destruction of all pathogenic germs and
almost all common flora, without significantly modifying its
physicochemical properties and nutritional value. The expiry date for
this type of cream is approximately 25 days.
- Sterilised cream, that which has been subjected to heating at
specific temperatures and for specific lengths of time
(108ºC/45 minutes, 114ºC/25 minutes and
116ºC/20
minutes). This technological process, known as sterilization, ensures
the total destruction of pathogenic germs and the inaction of its forms
of resistance. Its consumption is established as preferable
within 12 months, from the moment of its manufacture.
- Sterlised
UHT
cream. This is understood to be cream subjected to a
continuous thermal treatment, at high temperatures (minimum of
132ºC) for a few seconds, in order to ensure the destruction
of
both germs and their forms of resistance, being subsequently packaged
in aseptic conditions. Its consumption is
established as
preferable within 12 months, from the moment of its manufacture.
- Pressure-packaged cream. Is a pasteurised cream, sterilised or
UHT
sterilised, which is
packaged and prepared under the pressure of inert gases in appropriate
recipients. The expulsion of the gas used (generally nitrous
oxide) causes the cream to foam.
- Homogenized cream. That which is subjected to a mechanical process
which splits the fat globules, ensuring a better emulsion.
- Frozen cream. A pasteurised and packaged cream, sweetened or not,
subjected to a quick freezing process which achieves temperatures of
below -18ºC. It should not be kept at temperatures above
-15ºC. Its consumption is established as preferable within 18
months, from the moment of its manufacture.
- Powdered cream. Is the dry and powdered product which is obtained
through the dehydration of cream, pasteurised in liquid state,
before or during the manufacturing process.
· By incorporations
in its manufacture
- Whipped cream which has air or innocuous gases added for the purposes
of forming a stable solution. It also contains sugar and
other
additives (amongst them, stabilizers), and can have powdered skimmed
milk added (approximately 2%) to increase the consistency of the cream
after the formation of the foam. The air occupies at least
half
of the volume of the end product and its presence is manifest by the
presence of small bubbles. The main characteristic of whipped
cream is its stability.
- Cream for whipping. It is a cream prepared for such purpose.
To guarantee its longevity and the destruction of pathogenic
micro-organisms, this type of cream tends to be subjected to a
UHT
treatment and then kept
in suitable refrigeration to favour the whipping and subsequent
stability of the product.
There are also so-called sweetened creams, aromatised creams, with
fruits or other natural foods, depending on the ingredient added.
A highly calorific food
Cream is the concentrated fat content of milk which contains, as well,
a third of the protein and half the lactose of milk, in a small
proportion of water. Although different types of cream may
differ
in the their end fat content, their principal nutrient continues to be
fat, which makes them a highly calorific food product.
The fat in cream, the same as with all dairy products, is rich in
saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, and therefore its consumption in
moderation is advisable as an excess of saturated fat may favour
arteriosclerosis, one of the triggers for cardiovascular disease.
Of note is its vitamin A content, which exceeds some six times over the
content in the full fat milk from which it originates, although it is
lower than the content in butter. Similarly, although to a
lesser
degree, it is rich in vitamin D.
With regard to its mineral content, of note is the presence of calcium,
although in lesser quantities than the original milk from which it came.
Cream in cooking
Cream is a dairy derivate that is widely used in cuisine, where it is
highly valued for its delicate taste and versatility. Adding cream to a
dish gently enriches its flavour and provides greater nutritional
value, specifically energetic, which is why it is advisable to
always use it in moderation.
It blends very well with an infinity of foods and ingredients from the
most varied dishes. It is an excellent accompaniment to
vegetables, potatoes, mushrooms, game birds, eggs and exquisite as a
pudding ingredient together with fruits such as strawberries,
raspberries or peaches.
In confectionery it plays a key role in the creation of cakes,
pastries, ice-creams and biscuits, to all of which it brings its
flavour, fine texture and unctuosity.
PULEVA CREAM
PULEVA Special
Cooking Cream
It is obtained from natural milk through a centrifugation process.
It is a product with 18% fat content and, therefore, rich in
liposoluble vitamins A, D and E.
Its adequate fat content makes PULEVA SPECIAL COOKING
CREAM the best choice to enrich all types of dishes (meat, fish,
pasta…) and to smoothen soups and sauces.
To guarantee its longevity and the destruction of all the
micro-organisms that may corrupt or alter it, it is subjected to a
thermal process (
UHT
Treatment); however, it is advisable to always keep the product
refrigerated (without freezing it) in order to favour its subsequent
stability.
Tips for use:
The new formula of the PULEVA Cooking Cream resists high cooking temperatures and enables you
to combine ingredients more creatively without losing the original
characteristic cream flavour.
It is the ideal ingredient for salad dressings, pasta, meat
and
fish sauces. It can be combined with oloroso wines, spirits,
vinegars, lemon... to achieve all kinds of tastes and textures.
The amount of cream and the method of cooking it will depend
upon
the dish you are preparing.
PULEVA Whipping
Cream
It is obtained from natural milk through a process of centrifugation.
Once whipped, PULEVA WHIPPING CREAM is the best
choice for accompanying all your puddings, strawberries, flans,
ice-creams, nuts, cakes, etc.
To guarantee its longevity and the destruction of all the
micro-organisms that may corrupt or alter it, it is subjected to a
thermal process (
UHT
Treatment); however, it is advisable to always keep the product
refrigerated (without freezing it) in order to favour its subsequent
stability.
Tips for use: PULEVA
Whipping Cream
is the ideal complement for eating with strawberries, ice cream,
pineapple, flan... With PULEVA Whipping Cream you will be
able to prepare the most diverse range of puddings.
PULEVA Whipped
Cream Spray
It is obtained from the partial separation of cream from cow's milk.
By being packaged under pressure, it has the convenience of
being
able to use it instantly as many times as you wish. It
contains
added sugar.
This spray does not destroy the ozone layer. It must be kept
refrigerated without freezing.
Tips for use: PULEVA
Cream Spray is
the ideal complement for strawberries, ice cream, pineapple, flan....
ready to eat.
REFERENCIAS
PULEVA Special Cooking Cream: 1 litre and 200
ml
PULEVA Special Whipping Cream: 1 litre and 200
ml
PULEVA Cream Spray: 250 gr. and 500 gr.