The Battle of the Creams: Distinctions between Whipped and Heavy Cream
If you’re anything like me, you love different forms of dairy products and put them on pretty much everything! But when it comes to whipped cream, there are two types: whipped cream and heavy cream. Have you ever wondered what makes them different? Let’s take a closer look and find out!
What is whipped cream?
Whipped cream is a light and fluffy dairy product, made from heavy cream that has been beaten with a whisk or mixer until it thickens and forms soft peaks. Whipping incorporates air into the cream, which makes it expand in volume and become lighter in texture.
What is heavy cream?
Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product with a high fat content of 36% or more. It is usually used as an ingredient in recipes, rather than a topping, although it can also be whipped to create whipped cream.
Taste and Texture
One of the main differences between whipped cream and heavy cream is the texture. Whipped cream is lighter and fluffier in texture, making it easier to spread and giving it a delicious melt-in-the-mouth sensation. Heavy cream, on the other hand, is thick and creamy, with a silky smooth texture. When used in recipes, it lends a rich and velvety mouthfeel, making it perfect for sauces and soups.
In terms of taste, whipped cream is sweet, delicate, and airy, while heavy cream is richer, with a fuller and more buttery flavor.
Uses
Whipped cream is commonly used as a topping for desserts such as cakes, pies, and ice cream sundaes. It can also be used to garnish hot drinks like hot chocolate or coffee.
Heavy cream, on the other hand, is usually used as an ingredient in recipes that require a rich, creamy, and luxurious texture. It makes an excellent addition to sauces, soups, and stews. It can also be used to make whipped cream, as previously mentioned.
Nutritional Differences
Whipped cream and heavy cream both contain significant amounts of fat and calories. A serving of whipped cream contains about 8g of fat and around 50 calories, while a serving of heavy cream contains about 12g of fat and around 100 calories.
However, both creams are an excellent source of vitamins A, D, and E, as well as riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus.
Which one is better suited for whipped cream chargers and whipped cream dispensers?
Both whipped cream and heavy cream can be used in whipped cream chargers and whipped cream dispensers. However, due to its higher fat content, heavy cream will produce a thicker and denser whipped cream. Whipped cream made with heavy cream will also last longer than that made with regular cream.
Can you substitute one for the other in recipes?
It is possible to substitute heavy cream for whipped cream in certain recipes, but not the other way around. Heavy cream can be whipped to create a whipped cream-like texture, but whipped cream will not provide the necessary creaminess and richness that heavy cream offers.
Storage and Shelf Life
Whipped cream should be refrigerated and consumed within a few hours of being made, as it tends to deflate quickly. Heavy cream, on the other hand, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Price Differences
Heavy cream is usually more expensive than whipped cream due to its higher fat content and versatility in cooking and baking.
Whipped Cream Chargers and Whipped Cream Dispensers
Whipped cream chargers and whipped cream dispensers are handy kitchen tools that help you create homemade whipped cream easily and quickly. Both whipped cream and heavy cream can be used with these tools, allowing you to enjoy the goodness of homemade whipped cream without the hassle of whisking by hand.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer whipped cream or heavy cream will depend on your personal taste and the recipe you are preparing. Both dairy products are delicious and have their unique properties that make them suited for particular uses. However, with whipped cream chargers and whipped cream dispensers, you can easily create whipped cream or heavy cream to suit your requirements. So why not try both whipped cream and heavy cream and enjoy their distinctive tastes and textures?