Jersey cream is liquid gold. Thick, rich, and gloriously indulgent, it's the product of our island's world-famous Jersey cows—a breed renowned for producing the richest, creamiest milk in the world. With a butterfat content that can reach 6% or more (compared to 3-4% for other breeds), Jersey cream is in a class of its own.
When you pour Jersey cream, you're experiencing a dairy product that has made our island famous. This is cream as it was meant to be—pure, natural, and utterly luxurious.
The Jersey Cow: Two Centuries of Excellence
The Jersey cow is one of the oldest and purest dairy breeds in the world, originating right here on our island over 200 years ago. For centuries, Jersey cattle were so prized that their export was banned to protect the breed's purity and the island's competitive advantage.
This strict breeding programme created a cow perfectly adapted to Jersey's climate and pastures, producing milk of exceptional quality. By the 19th century, Jersey cream and butter were being shipped to London and Paris, where they commanded premium prices. The rich, golden cream became synonymous with luxury and quality.
Today, Jersey cows are found worldwide, but the cream produced here on the island—from cows grazing on Jersey's herb-rich pastures—remains the gold standard. Our dairy farmers are continuing a tradition that stretches back generations, producing cream that honours our island's heritage.
Liquid Gold: The Richest Cream in the World
Jersey cream comes from the milk of Jersey cows (Bos taurus), a distinctive breed with several unique characteristics:
The Jersey Cow
- •Appearance: Smaller than other dairy breeds, with a light brown to dark fawn coat and large, gentle eyes
- •Temperament: Known for being docile and easy to handle
- •Milk production: Produces less volume than larger breeds, but the milk is significantly richer
- •Butterfat content: 5-6% or higher (compared to 3-4% for Holstein-Friesian)
- •Protein content: Also higher than other breeds, making Jersey milk ideal for cheese-making
What Makes Jersey Cream Special
The richness of Jersey cream comes from the breed's genetics, but it's enhanced by:
- •Pasture-based diet: Jersey cows graze on diverse, herb-rich grassland
- •Island climate: Mild, moist conditions produce lush, nutritious grass year-round
- •Traditional farming: Many Jersey dairy farms are small-scale, family-run operations
- •Minimal processing: Jersey cream is typically less homogenised and processed than mass-market cream
Types of Jersey Cream
- •Single cream: Around 18% butterfat, perfect for pouring
- •Double cream: 48% butterfat, thick and spoonable
- •Clotted cream: 55-60% butterfat, a Jersey speciality with a distinctive crust
- •Crème fraîche: Cultured cream with a tangy flavour, excellent for cooking
Pasture-Based Dairy: A Sustainable System
Jersey's dairy farming is built on a pasture-based system that's both sustainable and animal-friendly. Unlike intensive dairy operations that rely on grain feeding and indoor housing, Jersey's cows spend most of their time outdoors, grazing on grass.
Pasture-Based Farming
Jersey's mild climate allows cows to graze year-round, with minimal need for supplementary feed. This approach:
- •Reduces carbon footprint (no need to grow and transport grain)
- •Improves animal welfare (cows are healthier and happier outdoors)
- •Enhances milk quality (grass-fed milk has better nutritional profile)
- •Maintains the landscape (grazing keeps pastures healthy and biodiverse)
Small-Scale, Family Farms
Most of Jersey's dairy farms are small, family-run operations with herds of 50-150 cows. This scale allows for:
- •Individual animal care and attention
- •Lower stress levels for the cows
- •Better environmental management
- •Stronger connection between farmer and herd
Environmental Stewardship
Jersey's dairy farmers are committed to protecting the island's environment. Many participate in agri-environment schemes, maintaining hedgerows, ponds, and wildflower meadows. The result is a farming system that works in harmony with nature, producing exceptional cream while caring for the land.
Your Guide to Buying & Using Jersey Cream
Jersey cream is widely available across the island, from supermarkets to farm shops. Here's how to choose and use it.
When to Buy
: Jersey cream is available year-round, but it's at its richest in late spring and summer when cows are grazing on lush, fast-growing grass. That said, the quality is consistently excellent throughout the year.
Where to Buy
: You'll find Jersey cream in every supermarket and corner shop on the island. For the freshest, most local cream, visit farm shops or dairies that sell their own products. Some farms offer raw (unpasteurised) cream, which has an even richer, more complex flavour.
What to Look For
: Check the label for "Jersey cream" or "Channel Islands cream." The cream should be thick and have a rich, golden colour (the result of high beta-carotene content in Jersey milk). Avoid ultra-processed, long-life creams—fresh is always best.
How to Use It
Jersey cream is incredibly versatile:
Sweet
- Whipped and served with strawberries or scones - Poured over warm puddings or crumbles - Stirred into coffee for a luxurious treat - Made into ice cream (Jersey cream makes the best ice cream in the world)
Savoury
- Added to soups and sauces for richness - Stirred into mashed potatoes - Used in pasta dishes (carbonara, alfredo) - Dolloped on top of baked potatoes
Baking
- Scones, cakes, and pastries all benefit from Jersey cream - Crème brûlée and panna cotta are perfect showcases for its richness
Our Favourite Jersey Cream Recipes
The simplest pleasures are often the best. A bowl of fresh Jersey strawberries with a generous pour of Jersey cream is a taste of summer perfection. Or try traditional Jersey Wonders (a fried doughnut) served warm with clotted cream. Pure island indulgence.
Ready to get cooking? Explore our collection of seasonal recipes perfectly suited for Jersey Cream.
See All Jersey Cream RecipesSeasonality
Peak Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
Available
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December