panna da montare
/ˈpan.na da monˈta.re/word by word
The Italian phrase for heavy cream is panna da montare.
Use this phrase to refer to a thick cream with a high fat content that can be whipped into a foam. When shopping in an Italian supermarket, look for the words da montare on the carton to ensure it has enough fat to whip.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means cream for whipping.
Which one should you use?
Use panna da montare specifically when you need cream with high fat content that can be whipped, rather than just panna (cream) in general. This is distinct from panna da cucina, which is lower in fat and intended for cooking/sauces rather than whipping.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpan.na da monˈta.re/ (4 syllables, stress on the 1st syllable of 4)
Did you know?
- The word panna might actually come from the word 'panno', meaning 'cloth', because the cream layer that forms on top of milk was once thought to resemble a thin piece of fabric.
- The phrase panna can also be used to describe something of the highest quality or the 'cream of the crop' in a social or professional sense.
- If you use the verb montare in a different context, such as in a garage, it does not mean to whip cream, but rather to 'assemble' a machine or a piece of furniture.
Examples in context
- Per questa ricetta, avrete bisogno di 250 ml di panna fresca.For this recipe, you will need 250 ml of heavy cream.
- Aggiungi la panna liquida alla pentola e mescola finché non si addensa.Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir until it thickens.
- Ti serve la panna da montare per questo dolce?Do you need heavy cream for this dessert?
- Ho comprato la panna da montare fresca.I bought fresh heavy cream.
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are preparing a cake in the kitchen.
- MatteoMartina, dove hai messo la panna da montare?Martina, where did you put the heavy cream?
- MartinaÈ nel frigorifero, nello scaffale in basso.It is in the refrigerator, on the bottom shelf.
- MatteoGrazie, ora inizio a sbatterla.Thanks, now I'll start whipping it.
- MartinaOttimo, il dolce sarà perfetto così.Great, the dessert will be perfect that way.
