Scone (bread)

Scone is a type of bread that originated in Scotland. It is a baked good that is usually made of wheat, barley or oatmeal, with baking powder as a leavening agent. The scone is a basic component of the cream tea or Devonshire tea.

History

The scone is believed to have originated from Scotland in the early 16th century. The first mention of a scone was in translation of The Aeneid by a Scottish poet named Gavin Douglas. The original scone was round and flat, usually the size of a medium size plate. It was made with unleavened oats and baked on a griddle, then cut into triangular sections for serving.

Varieties

Scones can take different forms and can be made with various ingredients. The griddle scone (or girdle scone in Scots) is a type of scone which is fried rather than baked. There are also the potato scone (or tattie scone), made with boiled potatoes and flour, and the drop scone, similar to a pancake.

In some countries, scones are often sweet and may contain fruit, chocolate, or nuts. In the United States, scones are often topped with a sweet glaze.

Serving

Scones are traditionally served with jam and cream, a combination known as a "cream tea". They can also be served with butter or cheese. In the UK, scones are a common component of the traditional afternoon tea.

Cultural significance

Scones have a significant place in British and Irish culture. They are a traditional part of the cream tea and are often served during special occasions like the Queen's Garden Party.

See also

• Biscuit
• Bannock
• List of British breads