Custard creams are arguably the most popular biscuit in the UK.
These iconic biscuits are thought to have originated in the UK in 1908 and typically feature an intricate baroque design stamped on their surface.
However, it’s only recently that people have started to understand the meaning of the intricate design that features on the tasty treat.
Over the years, people have enjoyed the treat paired with a nice cup of tea. But a lot of fans have likely never wondered why they have the unique pattern that they do, reports the Express.
Recently, a history expert has provided an explanation that has left many people amazed. Bryony, a history enthusiast from the Manchester Museum, shared her insights on Instagram.
In an informative video, she said: “Between the 1840s and 1890s in the UK there was a craze that was bigger than Pokémon cards. It was called the fern madness, Pteridomania.
“When trains and the train lines started to come to the UK, going to remote places became fashionable and so people would try and find things that were in those remote, cold places, things like ferns. It became a symbol of friendship, of good times, and intelligence of course.
“And that’s why you see fern patterns on things like Victorian architecture, on birthday cards, and also the pattern on custard creams. They’re some ferns unfurling.”
People have taken to the comment sections with one follower saying: “Fascinating! I always thought it was some design overhang from the art nouveau period.” and a second writing :”Oh I’d always thought they were wrought iron. Thank you”.
Custard creams contain no egg at all, instead their filling is created using custard powder.
Lizzie Collingham, food historian and author told the BBC that the incorporation of custard into a biscuit was groundbreaking.
“It was seen as a modern, exciting thing to make a food. Biscuits were the first industrial food, the first food stuff to be produced by a machine; form mixing, kneading, rolling out, cutting out, baking, it could all be done with minimal intervention from people.
“To put custard powder in a biscuit… it brought together two things which represented industrial progress.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletterhere.