creme fraiche: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “creme fraiche” mean?
A thick, slightly soured cream of French origin, with a rich, tangy flavour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick, slightly soured cream of French origin, with a rich, tangy flavour.
A cultured dairy product used as a condiment, in cooking, or as a dessert topping, valued for its stability when heated compared to fresh cream.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling often anglicised to 'creme fraiche' in the UK without diacritics; in the US, the French spelling with accents is more commonly retained in writing. The product is more widely available and recognised in the UK.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes sophistication, French cuisine, and gourmet cooking. In the US, it may be perceived as more of a specialty ingredient.
Frequency
More frequent in UK food writing and supermarket offerings. In the US, it is common in recipes and upscale groceries but less ubiquitous.
Grammar
How to Use “creme fraiche” in a Sentence
[Verb] + crème fraîche + [to Noun Phrase] (e.g., add crème fraîche to the sauce)[Noun Phrase] + with + crème fraîche (e.g., soup with a swirl of crème fraîche)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “creme fraiche” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The crème fraîche dressing was perfect.
American English
- A crème fraîche-based sauce accompanied the fish.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the food import, retail, or hospitality industries.
Academic
Rare, potentially in food science or cultural studies of cuisine.
Everyday
Used in cooking discussions, recipe sharing, and grocery shopping.
Technical
Used in professional cookery and food technology to specify an ingredient with particular fat content and bacterial culture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “creme fraiche”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “creme fraiche”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “creme fraiche”
- Mispronouncing 'fraîche' as 'fraych' or 'fraysh'. Incorrectly substituting it with sweet or low-fat cream in recipes. Misspelling as 'cream fresh'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, by adding a small amount of buttermilk or live yoghurt to double/heavy cream and letting it culture at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
Crème fraîche has a higher fat content, is less tangy, and is much more stable (less likely to curdle) when heated.
Almost. The standard English approximation is 'krem FRESH'. The 'crème' is like 'krem', and 'fraîche' rhymes with 'fresh'.
Absolutely. Its mild tang pairs well with berries, fruit desserts, and can be sweetened lightly to accompany pies or puddings.
A thick, slightly soured cream of French origin, with a rich, tangy flavour.
Creme fraiche is usually formal / culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FRESH cream' but with a French twist – 'fraîche' sounds like 'fresh'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS RICHNESS / SOPHISTICATION IS FOREIGN (French origin adds gourmet value).
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of crème fraîche compared to regular double cream?