Crema (dairy product) facts for kids

Crema is a Spanish word that means "cream." In places like the United States, you might hear it called "thick cream" or "fresh cream." This tasty Mexican dairy product is made from just two main ingredients: heavy cream and buttermilk. Sometimes, a little salt and lime juice are added to give it extra flavor. Crema has a good amount of fat, usually between 18% and 36%. In Mexico, you can often buy it directly from ranches outside big cities. It's also sold in Mexican and Latino grocery stores in the United States. People use crema as a topping for food, a condiment, or an ingredient in sauces. It's quite similar to France's crème fraîche and sour cream in how it feels and tastes.

How is Crema Made?

Outside of Mexico's larger cities, ranches often make crema and sell it directly to people. In the United States, crema that you buy in stores is usually pasteurized. This means it's heated to kill any harmful germs. It's then put into glass jars and kept cool in the refrigerated section of Mexican and Hispanic grocery stores.

How Do People Use Crema?

Crema is a popular topping for many foods and a key ingredient in sauces. You can spoon it or drizzle it over different dishes. For example, people often add crema to soups, tacos, roasted corn, beans, and various Mexican street foods called antojitos. Using crema can make foods taste richer and creamier. It might even have a slightly salty flavor. In Mexican cuisine, rajas are roasted chili peppers that are traditionally served with crema. The smooth, creamy texture of crema helps to balance out the spiciness of dishes made with hot peppers, like chipotle peppers.

Crema's Cousins: Similar Foods

Crema is very similar to French crème fraîche in both taste and how it feels. When you compare it to sour cream, crema often has a softer, less tangy flavor and a thinner texture. If a recipe asks for crema, you can often use sour cream or crème fraîche as a good substitute.