Wimbledon begins on Monday. That means it’s time to gather the necessary provisions to enhance the at-home viewing experience. Every year, I encourage readers to embrace some of the tournament’s most enduring traditions. First up on the docket this weekend is strawberries and cream. While there are many iconic foods associated with major sporting events, few are as closely tied to a specific competition as this simple pairing is to The Championships.
Strawberries and cream have been associated with Wimbledon since the tournament’s earliest days. The combination is elegant, seasonal, distinctly British, and refreshingly uncomplicated. Unlike many modern sporting-event food traditions that require specialized equipment, obscure ingredients, or culinary ambition, this one is remarkably accessible. All you really need are strawberries, cream, and a willingness to indulge in a small luxury while watching world-class tennis.
For years, however, I have encountered one persistent challenge when attempting to recreate the experience at home. Strawberries are ubiquitously available in my local area. The cream is a little more difficult to duplicate with precision.
Most American grocery stores carry whipped cream, heavy cream, and half-and-half. However, the actual cream traditionally served at Wimbledon is double cream. That product is more challenging to find in the United States. In previous years, I have resorted to the “close enough” substitution of heavy cream or whipping cream. Those options work well enough for a perfectly enjoyable strawberries-and-cream experience.
This year, quite by accident, I discovered that Central Market occasionally stocks imported double cream. Even better, I learned that a British specialty market in my hometown carries it as well. I have known that store existed for years, but did not discover until recently that their offerings included refrigerated and other perishable British food items.
After finally trying authentic double cream, I can report that it is richer and thicker than the cream most Americans typically pour over desserts. More importantly, it is the actual ingredient traditionally associated with Wimbledon.
I would characterize the difference as an enhancement rather than a transformation. The strawberries remain the star of the show, but the double cream lends credibility to the authenticity.
One of the things I particularly appreciate about the strawberries-and-cream tradition is how easy it is to replicate. A pint of strawberries is affordable and accessible. The preparation requires almost no effort beyond washing and hulling the berries. Cream is also a grocery staple, and if you can source double cream in your local area, that’s a bonus.
In any case, this is your annual public-service announcement: Wimbledon starts on Monday. It is time to head to the grocery store to buy strawberries and cream. If you happen to find actual double cream, even better.
Centre Court may be thousands of miles away, but a proper bowl of strawberries and cream is always close at hand.
