Putting the cream or jam on a scone first is an age-old debate that Brits can never seem to decide the answer on. But an expert has shared which one is meant to go on first and the answer might not be what you usually do, with some people only just now realising the “correct” way to eat them. An afternoon tea expert says you should put the cream on first, reports Wales Online.
Jane Malyon, 65 – who runs a company selling afternoon tea hampers and spends every day eating and talking about her favourite food. She has tasted hundreds of different teas, scones, jams and triangle sandwiches to find the perfect combo – and even gives talks about how to do a proper British afternoon tea.
Jane shared her own take on the classic British debate – whether it’s pronounced “scone” or “scon” – and says the word should rhyme with “cone”.
She added she also opts to put the cream on first and the jam on top – although finds more people who visit her talks do the opposite.
Jane said: “If you haven’t tried an afternoon tea, you’re missing out.
“It’s truly a tradition which is the best of British – the best way to have a break from the craziness of life. I really champion cream tea – I’m a huge advocate for the tradition.”
The debate on the pronunciation of “scone” is something Jane is asked about daily – and she confesses to pronouncing it rhyming with “cone”.
She said: “My world is spent answering ‘scone’ vs ‘scon’.
“I say it like ‘cone’ personally but Her Majesty did always say ‘scon’. I think more people say ‘scone’ but the ones who say ‘scon’ swear they’re the only ones that say it right. Posh people definitely say ‘scon’ – but ultimately both are valid.”
Another point of contention which divides a nation – is whether a scone goes jam first, or cream first.
She explained that this is a particular debate in the South West – as the Cornish way is jam first, and the Devonshire way is cream first.
Jane runs The English Cream Tea Company which was set up in 2011 after a conversation with an elderly lady who loved afternoon tea but was no longer able to go out for her favourite treat.