Cream is a rich dairy product essential for adding texture and flavor to desserts and beverages.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A dairy product rich in milk fat.
- Commonly used in desserts and baking.
- Provides a smooth and creamy texture.
概览：奶油（Cream）是乳制品的一种，主要成分是牛奶中的脂肪。它呈现出白色或淡黄色，口感顺滑且具有浓郁的奶香。在烹饪中，奶油因其独特的乳化特性和丰富的口感，成为提升食物风味的关键原料。
- 1使用方式：奶油的使用非常广泛，既可以直接搅打成“鲜奶油”（Whipped Cream）装饰蛋糕，也可以作为液体加入浓汤或咖啡中增加醇厚感。在烘焙中，奶油常与糖混合，是制作蛋糕、饼干和冰淇淋的核心成分。
常见语境：在日常生活中，我们常在生日蛋糕、奶茶店的顶部装饰、以及西式浓汤（如蘑菇浓汤）中看到它的身影。此外，奶油也是制作面包涂抹酱的重要基础。
- 1近义词辨析：在中文语境下，“奶油”有时会与“黄油”（Butter）混淆。简单来说，奶油（Cream）是液体状的乳脂肪，而黄油（Butter）是将奶油进一步搅打、去除水分后形成的固体块状油脂。两者在烹饪中的功能有所区别，奶油侧重于增加顺滑口感和装饰，黄油则多用于煎炸、烘焙面团及调味。
Examples
这块蛋糕上面的奶油很甜。
everydayThe cream on this cake is very sweet.
请在咖啡里加入一点奶油。
formalPlease add a little cream to the coffee.
奶油蘑菇汤非常好喝。
informalCream of mushroom soup is delicious.
高脂肪奶油的乳化作用在烘焙中至关重要。
academicThe emulsification of high-fat cream is crucial in baking.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
奶油味
Creamy flavor
奶油色
Cream color
奶油泡芙
Cream puff
Often Confused With
Butter is solid and used for cooking or spreading, while cream is liquid and used for whipping or adding to sauces.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Cream is used as a noun to describe the dairy product. It is a neutral term used in both culinary and casual settings. Ensure you distinguish between heavy cream and light cream depending on the recipe requirements.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse 'cream' with 'butter' in Chinese. Using '黄油' when you mean '奶油' can result in a recipe failure. Remember that '奶油' is for fluffiness while '黄油' is for frying or dough structure.
Tips
Whipping cream needs cold temperature
When whipping cream, ensure the bowl and the cream are very cold. This helps the fat stabilize and creates a fluffy texture.
Watch the shelf life
Cream spoils quickly once opened. Always check the expiration date and smell it before use.
Cream in Western diets
Cream is a staple in Western cuisine, symbolizing indulgence and luxury in desserts and comfort foods.
Word Origin
The word stems from the dairy-based origin of the product. It represents the fatty layer that rises to the top of raw milk.
Cultural Context
Cream represents comfort and celebration in many cultures. It is central to the identity of classic French pastries and Western coffee culture.
Memory Tip
Think of a cow (奶) that produces something smooth and rich (油). It's the smooth part of the milk!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不一样。奶油通常指液体状的乳脂产品，而黄油是经过加工、去除水分后的固体乳脂。
是的，新鲜奶油极易变质，必须存放在冰箱冷藏室内，并尽快使用。
动物奶油从牛奶中提取，口感自然且营养价值高；植物奶油通常是氢化植物油，口感较人工，且含有反式脂肪风险。
可以，常用于烹饪浓汤或制作奶汁烤菜，但需注意火候，避免高温导致油水分离。
Test Yourself
生日蛋糕上覆盖着一层厚厚的___。
蛋糕装饰通常使用鲜奶油，而非黄油或奶酪。
Score: /1
Summary
Cream is a rich dairy product essential for adding texture and flavor to desserts and beverages.
- A dairy product rich in milk fat.
- Commonly used in desserts and baking.
- Provides a smooth and creamy texture.
Whipping cream needs cold temperature
When whipping cream, ensure the bowl and the cream are very cold. This helps the fat stabilize and creates a fluffy texture.
Watch the shelf life
Cream spoils quickly once opened. Always check the expiration date and smell it before use.
Cream in Western diets
Cream is a staple in Western cuisine, symbolizing indulgence and luxury in desserts and comfort foods.
Examples
4 of 4这块蛋糕上面的奶油很甜。
The cream on this cake is very sweet.
请在咖啡里加入一点奶油。
Please add a little cream to the coffee.
奶油蘑菇汤非常好喝。
Cream of mushroom soup is delicious.
高脂肪奶油的乳化作用在烘焙中至关重要。
The emulsification of high-fat cream is crucial in baking.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More food words
一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
