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Crème Fraîche From Past to Present

The Larousse Gastronomique defines crème fraîche as "cream to which a lactic bacteria starter has been added which thickens the cream and gives it a slightly sharp, but not sour flavor."

Crème Fraîche originated in the dairy-producing regions of France such as Normandy, Alsace, Franche-Comté and the northern Loire. Fresh milk was left to settle overnight at cool ambient temperature to allow the cream to rise to the top and then be collected for making butter. The naturally occurring lactose-fermenting bacteria worked overnight to thicken and acidify the cream.


In France today, crème fraîche exists in varying consistency from liquid to thick; the liquid version is barely fermented while the thicker product undergoes up to twenty hours of fermentation. The fat content may vary from product to product. All of the cream sold as crème fraîche is traditionally pasteurized as opposed to ultra high -temperature pasteurized.


Commercially produced crème fraîche in the US is far from consistent from brand to brand. Some manufacturers use cream from Jersey or Guernsey cows which lends a buttery, cheesey flavor to the créme fraîche due to the high content of diacetyl in the milk of those breeds. Many producers use a shorter, hotter fermentation period or bacterial starters that result in a one-dimensional flavor profile. Some manufacturers may even use thickeners.

Read what Harold McGee, author of "On Food and Cooking" and "The Curious Cook" has to say about Kendall Farms Crème Fraîche: "Kendall Farms Crème Fraîche has become a classic. It is one of the few American versions that remain faithful to the French original, made from cultured cream without added enzymes or thickeners that compromise flavor and functionality. Kendall Farms Crème Fraîche is the benchmark for genuine American crème fraîche."
"Kendall Farms Crème Fraîche is the paradigm of crème fraîche" -Thomas Keller, The French Laundry, Napa

 

All Natural

No Preservatives
Kendall barn label and artwork
Fresh sauce for fresh food
Kendall Farms Crème Fraîche is versatile and ready to resolve culinary emergencies.
Kendall Farms Crème Fraîche • P.O. Box 686 • Atascadero, California 93423 • (805) 466-7252
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