The age-old debate of whether jam or cream should go first on a scone continues to divide the nation. This week, the question has reignited conversations across the country, even overshadowing the political debates of Starmer vs Sunak. Despite centuries of attempts to settle the matter, Britain remains as divided on the scone topping order as ever.
Do you side with the traditional Cornish method, dolloping jam first, or embrace the Devonshire style of a thick base layer of clotted cream? Perhaps you are a jam purist, like one of our Daily Express colleagues, and forgo cream altogether.
A recent survey by Cornish clotted cream brand Rodda’s found 44% of respondents favor jam first, while 32% argue for a cream foundation. The findings sparked heated discussions in our newsroom, prompting us to put the question to our readers.
The results were clear: a resounding 74% of Express.co.uk readers voted for the Cornish tradition of jam first.
However, in the spirit of fairness, and to celebrate National Cream Tea Day, we present both sides of the argument.
Jam-first, says Frances Millar:
“Jam has always been first for me. It’s less of a preference and more of an instinct.” Millar is in good company. Apparently, Buckingham Palace scones are served jam-first, and the Queen of Cakes, Mary Berry, agrees. Millar’s method is straightforward: two generous spoonfuls of strawberry jam, spread to the edge, followed by a hefty dollop of clotted cream in the center.Cream-first, says Sam Stevenson:
“We say “the cherry on top” for a reason. Everyone knows tasty jam is the best part of any cream tea. So why not give it pride of place on the top of a freshly-baked scone? It makes so much more sense to spread the cream before the jam. This way, it serves like butter and provides a soft, cushion-like layer between the baked snack and its sweeter topping. The cream should be evenly distributed on the bottom layer, not simply dolloped. Call me a maverick, as our online poll would suggest, but it’s the Devon method for me.”Ultimately, whether you favor jam first or cream first, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a scone. Just make sure you pronounce it to rhyme with “gone,” not “stone.” That’s not up for debate.
