creme de leite fresco
/ˈkɾẽ.mi d͡ʒi ˈlej.t͡ʃi ˈfɾes.ku/word by word
The Portuguese phrase for heavy cream is creme de leite fresco.
Use creme de leite fresco specifically when you need cream that can be whipped into peaks, as standard creme de leite found in supermarkets is often too low in fat for this purpose.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'fresh milk cream'.
Which one should you use?
While creme de leite is the general term for cream (often referring to the canned or boxed versions used in Brazil), creme de leite fresco specifically denotes the high-fat, liquid heavy cream used for whipping.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Portugal, the term Natas Frescas is often used to refer specifically to heavy cream.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkɾẽ.mi dʒi ˈlej.tʃi ˈfɾes.ku/. There are 6 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word creme is a loanword from the French crème, which originally came from a Gaulish word meaning 'skim'.
- Because standard creme de leite in Brazil is often stabilized with thickeners, it is used as a shortcut to thicken sauces without the risk of the cream splitting.
Examples in context
- No supermercado, você pode comprar nata pasteurizada para fazer uma sobremesa deliciosa.At the supermarket, you can buy heavy cream to make a delicious dessert.
- Encontrei natas frescas no mercado local e vou usá-las para preparar um molho cremoso para a massa.I found fresh cream at the local market, and I'm going to use it to prepare a creamy sauce for the pasta.
- Eu comprei creme de leite fresco para o bolo.I bought heavy cream for the cake.
- Você precisa de creme de leite fresco para esta receita.You need heavy cream for this recipe.
- O creme de leite fresco é muito saboroso.The heavy cream is very tasty.
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are in the kitchen preparing a dessert.
- CamilaLucas, você tem creme de leite fresco?Lucas, do you have heavy cream?
- LucasNão, eu esqueci de comprar o creme de leite fresco.No, I forgot to buy the heavy cream.
- CamilaTudo bem, eu vou ao mercado buscar.That's fine, I will go to the market to get it.
- LucasObrigado, Camila, você é muito gentil.Thank you, Camila, you are very kind.
