Half-and-half

Half-and-Half Cream is a dairy ingredient composed of a balanced mixture of approximately 50% cream and 50% whole milk. Thanks to its intermediate fat content, this cream has a smooth texture and a creamy flavor, without being as thick as whipping cream or as light as regular milk. This makes it ideal for use in recipes where you want to add body and richness without contributing too much fat.

Origin: Half-and-half cream is very popular in the United States and some English-speaking countries, where it is commonly used in the preparation of coffee, sauces, soups, and creamy desserts. Although its use is not as common throughout Latin America, it is currently gaining popularity in recipes that call for a creamy texture without being too heavy.

Properties: This cream has a typical fat content of between 10% and 18%, which provides flavor and creaminess without the density of whipping cream (which usually has 35% or more fat). It is excellent for enriching sauces, creams, coffees, and some desserts. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it an ideal ingredient for achieving a silky texture and a balanced flavor in both savory and sweet preparations.

Synonyms in Spanish in Latin America: Although it does not have an exact universal name, in different countries it may be found as crema ligera, crema para café, crema semidescremada, or simply mitad y mitad. It is important to clarify the fat content to identify this product in local stores or supermarkets.