Should jam or cream go first on a scone?
Whether jam or cream goes first on a scone is a famous friendly debate in England. In Cornwall, the tradition is jam first, then clotted cream. In Devon, the tradition is cream first, then jam.
The debate is part of the rivalry between the neighboring counties of Devon and Cornwall in southwest England, both famous for cream teas.
A cream tea consists of scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, along with a pot of tea.
The Cornish method
In Cornwall, people split the scone, spread jam on it and then add a dollop of clotted cream on top. Supporters say this lets the cream sit on top like butter.
In Devon, people spread clotted cream first, like butter, and then add jam on top.
In 2018, Queen Elizabeth II's former chef said the Queen preferred jam first, which pleased many Cornish people.
There is no correct answer, and the debate is mainly lighthearted. Clotted cream is a thick cream made by slowly heating full-fat milk. Cornish clotted cream has protected status.