Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product with a high milk fat content, typically between 36% and 40% fat

. It is thicker and richer than regular milk or lighter creams due to this high fat content. Heavy cream is the base ingredient for making whipped cream; when whipped, it becomes airy and holds its shape well, making it ideal for desserts and cake decorations

. Nutritionally, heavy cream is high in calories and saturated fat but also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A and E

. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as ice cream, chocolate ganache, Alfredo sauce, and creamy soups or sauces

. In different countries, heavy cream may be known by other names: in Australia, it is often called thickened cream and contains about 35% milk fat, sometimes with additives to help it whip and hold shape

; in the UK, a similar product is called double cream; in Germany, it is referred to as Schlagsahne or Sahne

. If heavy cream is not available, it can be roughly substituted by mixing melted butter with whole milk to approximate the fat content

. In summary:

• Heavy cream has at least 36% milk fat, making it rich and thick

• It is used to make whipped cream and in many creamy dishes

• It is known by different names internationally but generally refers to a high-fat cream

• Can be substituted by butter and milk mixture if necessary

This makes heavy cream a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking for adding richness and creaminess.