brulee etymology

Crème Brûlée Etymology, Meaning and Origin

Etymology

The word "crème brûlée" comes from the French language and is a combination of the following words:

  • Crème: Cream
  • Brûlée: Burned

Meaning

Crème brûlée is a dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a caramelized sugar crust. The term "brûlée" refers to the caramelization process, which involves burning the sugar crust with a torch or under a broiler until it becomes golden brown.

Origin

The exact origin of crème brûlée is not known, but there are several theories:

  • England: Some believe that crème brûlée may have originated in England during the Middle Ages and was known as "burnt cream."
  • Spain: Another theory suggests that crème brûlée originated in Spain and was called "crema catalana." It is said to have been introduced to France by Spanish monks in the 17th century.
  • France: Others believe that crème brûlée is a purely French creation and was invented in the 17th century.

Regardless of its exact origin, crème brûlée became popular in France and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, it is a classic French dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Other Names

Crème brûlée is also known by various other names around the world, including:

  • Burnt cream
  • Crema catalana
  • Trinity cream
  • Nata do céu (in Portugal)
  • Vla brulée (in the Netherlands)

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