A LOCAL jam maker is testing the country's tastebuds to explore one of the UK's most debated culinary mysteries.

On Friday June 24, which is national cream tea day, Tiptree jam and Rodda's clotted cream are teaming up with the Co-op to decide whether jam should be added before or after the cream on a scone - a debate which has been dividing Cornwall and Devon for centuries.

The survey will take place in 19 Co-op foodstores across Essex giving thousands of consumers the chance to get their teeth into the debate by sampling the servings.

Simon Dungworth, UK Sales Manager for Tiptree Jam, said: “We have a collaborative approach with the Co-op, working together to satisfy the increasing demand for locally produced, high quality produce – the trial will provide interesting insight into a centuries old debate that has long divided the counties of Cornwall and Devon – it will be fascinating to hear the views of the people of Essex around their preferred way to prepare a scone.”

National Cream Tea Day is organised by the Cream Tea Society to encourage people to share cream teas while raising money for charity.

The survey takes place at the Co-op stores in Brook Street, Great Bardfield, on the A120 bypass in Braintree and on Shrub End Road, Colchester.