What is the typical fat percentage in heavy cream?

Heavy cream typically contains a fat percentage ranging from 36% to 40%. This higher fat content gives heavy cream its characteristic richness and allows it to be whipped into peaks, making it ideal for various culinary applications such as sauces, soups, and desserts. The fat in heavy cream contributes to its creamy texture and the ability to emulsify, which enhances the overall mouthfeel of dishes.

Options that suggest lower fat percentages, like those around 20% to 25% or 30% to 35%, refer more accurately to lighter creams such as light cream or half-and-half. The option suggesting 45% to 50% fat content exceeds the typical range for heavy cream and aligns more with specialty creams or certain types of clotted cream. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the standard fat content found in heavy cream used in cooking and baking.