Fresh Cream Day

What Is Fresh Cream Day?

September 6th is "Fresh Cream Day" in Japan. The date comes from a wordplay on "ku(9)-rimu(6)" (cream), and it was established by dairy product maker Nakazawa Foods Co., Ltd. (now Nakazawa Nyugyo Co., Ltd.) and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association. The company has supplied dairy products centered on fresh cream since its founding in 1868.

The Appeal of Fresh Cream, Essential to Baking

Fresh cream is a dairy product made by separating milk fat from milk, used widely in baking from cakes to ice cream.

• Origin: a wordplay that plays directly on the sound of "cream" -- "ku(9)-rimu(6)"
• Purpose: to help more people discover the delicious taste of fresh cream and the many ways to use it at home
• Expanding uses: beyond sweets, it's also widely used in savory dishes like pasta and soup

The Difference Between "Fresh Cream" and "Whipped Cream"

What people casually call "fresh cream" is actually divided by law. Under Japan's ministerial ordinance on milk and dairy products, only products made by removing everything but the milk fat from raw or regular milk, with at least 18.0% milk fat and no additives, may be labeled "cream." Products with emulsifiers or stabilizers added, or whipped products using vegetable fat, are classified as "foods made mainly from milk or dairy products." Comparing the product-type labels on packaging makes the difference clear.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Try baking something using fresh cream
• Enjoy a favorite cake or sweet
• Look up recipes that use fresh cream
• Taste-test fresh cream against whipped cream to compare the difference

A Soft Sweetness Brings a Small Everyday Happiness

Fresh cream, piped into soft swirls atop a cake, adds happiness to both the look and taste of a dessert. September 6th is a day to enjoy its rich flavor once again.