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Crème Fraîche
Crème fraîche makes a wonderful topping for fresh fruits,
puddings, and other desserts.
This popular topping, a kind of cultured or matured cream, originated in the Normandy and
Brittany regions of France. Its texture resembles a rich cream cheese, but its flavor is a bit more tart, closer
to a fine yogurt. The bacteria used to culture
crème fraîche are in fact similar to those used to make yogurt. The process thickens
and ripens the cream, for a luxuriously smooth, creamy product. Crème fraîche can be
used in any recipe that calls for cream.
Varieties
The availability of crème fraîche depends on how close you are to where it is
produced, but many specialty markets stock it. In France, there is an appreciation of the
uniqueness of the crème fraîche made by various artisan producers, just as those who
enjoy yogurt appreciate various brands for their unique flavors and textures. Crème
fraîche is now also made in the United States by artisan producers.
Buying and storing tips
Crème fraîche should be handled like any fresh dairy product once opened, it
should be used within two to seven days.
Availability
Although not yet widely available, crème fraîche is now being made by artisan
producers in California, Texas, Vermont, and elsewhere.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Crème fraîche makes a wonderful topping for fresh fruits, puddings, and other desserts. It is well suited to
savory dishes, soups, and casseroles, and adds body to sauces; it can also be served with
blintzes, salmon, or caviar. It is favored by cooks
because it doesn’t curdle as easily as heavy cream when heated.
Nutritional Highlights
Crème fraîche, 1 Tbsp (15g)
Calories: 52
Protein: 0.3g
Carbohydrate: 0.42g
Total Fat: 5.5g
Fiber: 0.0g
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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