The biscuit has an interesting bit of history behind its ‘ornate’ pattern
One of Britain’s most iconic treats, available for under £1 in most supermarkets, has kept a distinctive piece of history to this day. Few people actually understand why the beloved Custard Cream features such an “ornate” pattern compared to other biscuits.
On Instagram (@Theotherbritishmusuem), radio presenter Annabel Port delves into unusual aspects of British heritage, uncovering entertaining ‘did you know’ facts. In a viral video viewed by over 612,000 people, she examined the reason behind one of Britain’s most recognisable biscuits having its “over the top” design, reports the Mirror.
She said: “You will not believe what the swirls on a custard cream are supposed to be. These are one of the UK’s favourite biscuits and also one of the cheapest.
“It’s a very bog standard food with an incredibly over-the-top, ornate decoration – like a semi in Swindon with a recreation of the Sistine Chapel inside.” Custard cream biscuits have been savoured in Britain since 1908, Annabel revealed, with the Victorians responsible for the biscuit’s “ornate” appearance.
She continued: “[The Victorians] were mad for ferns. They were so obsessed that they held fern-hunting parties and collected them to the point that some species became extinct.”
“The reason ferns got so massive was [because of] George Loddiges. He built the largest greenhouse in the world in Hackney, East London, and it was really expensive – so he needed people to visit.” More powerful than sticking an advert somewhere, Loddiges spread a rumour that an appreciation for ferns showed a sign of intelligence.
“Somehow, this actually worked,” Annabel joked. She added: “There was such a craze for them that they put a fern-like decoration on this biscuit. That’s what those swirls are supposed to be.
“Not sure they did the greatest job. At least now I can think ‘Oh this makes me look more intelligent’ – even though they are a little bit boring.”
To this day, Custard Creams remain a British favourite that millions enjoy nationwide every day. Retailers stock these baked goods for as little as 45p per pack.
Previously, Annabel revealed the “rule” that prompted nearly all UK washing-up liquids to choose the exact same colour – green – despite only one having a logical explanation. People were fascinated to discover that another slice of Victorian-era history has shaped major brands to this day, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl.
Annabel explained: “Back in 1898, Fairy Soap was launched and was used for everything – clothes, dishes, skin, whatever. It was made in Newcastle by Thomas Hedley and Co, and early ads show that the soap was also green, olive green, and for a reason, it contained olive oil.
“The olive oil is gone now, probably as it’s more expensive than gold or printer ink. This was their brand colour and they stuck with it, even if it got more lurid over the years and other companies blindly followed.”
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