**TL;DR** Through both practical and scientific analysis it is clear that the Devon approach of cream before jam on a scone is superior to the Cornish jam before cream. Cream should come before jam on scones because clotted cream requires more ‘spreading’ whilst jam need just be ‘plopped’ on top. It makes sense to use a knife to spread the cream onto the baked good and a spoon to lie the jam down. If the jam is placed first, spreading the cream on top is made a difficult process as the thicker consistency of the cream will splurge and mix into the jam instead of having the firm bed of the scone to be secured onto. Traditionally, it’s a debate of Cornwall versus Devon with the former favouring jam then cream whilst the latter agrees that it should be cream before jam. Although a survey shows that 52% of Brits think jam should come before cream (including The Queen!), science proves otherwise. Dr Stuart Farrimond and the baker Mich Turner, have ascertained that the 4:3:3 ration will make the perfect scone achieving the ‘hedonic breakpoint’ as there is the ideal level of ‘sweetness from the jam that is balanced out by the cool cream and simple scone’. Additionally, to reach optimum satisfaction, the scone should be eaten at around 22-35 degrees Celcius but cream should be spread when at 50 degrees Celsius. This allows a slight melt onto the scone that would never make sense if jam was dolloped on before. And so, it seems obvious, both practically, scientifically and aesthetically; cream BEFORE jam on scones. Next comes the debate… should ‘scone’ be pronounced to rhyme with ‘bone’ or ‘gone’? Amofa, Richard (2018). ‘Scientists prove that the Devon way of making Cream Tea is CORRECT’, *DevonLive*. Available at: https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/food-drink/devon-national-cream-tea-day-1331042 Sun Reporter (2019). ‘The great scone debate has finally been answered – and it’s JAM before cream’, *The Sun*. Available: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/9810354/scone-debate-answered-jam-cream/ Petter, Oliva (2018). ‘The Queen settles scone debate of whether jam or cream should come first’, *Independent*. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/queen-scones-jam-cream-what-goes-first-debate-cream-tea-outrage-a8260686.html

**TL; DR – It is an undeniable fact recognized worldwide that scones are considered to be a classic English dessert. However, what has not been settled on is what goes first? The jam (Cornish approach) or the cream (Devon approach)?** So while food choices are based on various factors, I do believe that culture and personal preference are the main factors that influence one. Personally, I prefer to eat my scone with the jam added before the cream. Well according to the website you.co.uk, a team at the Village Hotel Club conducted a survey with the following results: 52% out of 2 000 people who were quizzed about their preferred way of eating scones revealed that they prefer to add the jam first. While a further 25% said that they preferred the cream to be added first, and a remaining 19% were indifferent. What’s more, even the website taste.com.au revealed this to be the case. In a vote conducted on Facebook, out of 18 000 votes in total, 17 000 people voted for the jam to be added first. While the remaining 1 000 voted for the cream to be added first. So with this “jam-first philosophy” in mind, you.co.uk informs us that this debate should now be settled. The Cornish approach is the proven official winner whether one agrees or not. Well I do agree, since not only is it the most popular choice but even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II prefers the Cornish approach! This definitely further endorses this approach or at the very least has one considering whether or not to give it a try. Sources: 1) The correct order to put jam and cream on your scones has been confirmed https://www.you.co.uk/jam-on-scones-before-cream/ [accessed February 8, 2021]. 2) The great scone debate is finally settled... (and apparently the Queen agrees) https://www.taste.com.au/articles/great-scone-debate-finally-settled-apparently-queen-agrees/mbqlz6at [accessed February 8, 2021].

It surely is a question of quantity. I like more cream than jam so cream first and a little jam in the centre of the cream