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Discover what crème fraîche is, where to shop for it and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
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Check out our guide to crème fraîche, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about buttermilk, kefir and halloumi.
What is crème fraîche?
A type of dairy product, crème fraîche (French for ‘fresh cream’), is a soured cream with a bacterial culture. It’s produced by adding a starter culture to heavy cream, and leaving it at the correct temperature until it starts to thicken. A versatile and classic ingredient in French cuisine, it’s commonly served over fruit and bakes, or added to sauces and soups. It’s less sour than soured cream, and has a higher fat content.
A Russian classic, this beef and chestnut mushroom stroganoff is made super-creamy with a tub of crème fraîche. There's paprika for that signature colour, plus a little celery salt, and fries to serve.
This recipe for wild salmon with pickled gherkins, crème fraîche and dill is a perfect example of how quality ingredients prepared simply but well result in a vibrant dish with clean flavours. Serve up as a simple but impressive dinner party starter.
