What is bird custard made of?

Did you know that Bird's custard was invented in 1837 for a woman with an egg allergy? This classic British dessert staple, and its distinctive yellow colour, is not what most people would consider "traditional" egg-based custard, but rather a simple-to-make, cornflour-based alternative.

Quick Summary

Bird's custard powder is primarily made from maize starch, salt, flavouring, and colour. Unlike traditional egg-based custards, it serves as a simple, shelf-stable base when mixed with milk and sugar.

Key Points

• Egg-Free: Bird's custard powder is famously egg-free, developed in 1837 for an individual with an egg allergy.

• Primary Ingredient: The main component is maize starch (cornflour), which acts as the thickening agent when cooked with milk.

• Distinctive Colour: Its characteristic yellow hue comes from a natural food colouring called annatto, not egg yolks.

• Requires Cooking: The original powder must be mixed with milk and sugar and heated on the hob or in the microwave to thicken properly.

• Vegan Adaptable: The powder itself is suitable for vegans and can be prepared using a plant-based milk alternative.

• Not Traditionally Custard: Technically, because it contains no eggs, Bird's is an imitation custard or custard-like sauce, unlike traditional crème anglaise.

The Core Ingredients of Bird's Custard Powder

Unlike traditional custard, which relies on egg yolks for its rich flavour and thickening properties, Bird's custard powder is an egg-free invention. Its formula has remained largely consistent since its creation, focusing on a few simple, shelf-stable ingredients. When you buy a tin of Bird's Original Custard Powder, the primary components are:

• Maize Starch (Cornflour): This is the key thickening agent. When mixed with a liquid and heated, the starch molecules absorb the water and swell, causing the mixture to thicken into a creamy, spoonable consistency.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is included to enhance the overall flavour profile of the custard.
• Flavouring: The distinctive, subtle vanilla flavour that is synonymous with Bird's custard is added via flavouring.
• Colour (Annatto Norbixin): This natural food colouring, derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, gives Bird's custard its signature yellow hue, mimicking the colour of egg yolks.

It is crucial to note the difference between the original custard powder and the instant varieties. The original powder requires cooking with milk and sugar, whereas instant versions may contain additional ingredients like powdered milk and sugar and only require the addition of hot water. Always check the specific product label.

How to Prepare Bird's Custard from Powder

Making custard with Bird's powder is a straightforward process that yields a smooth, creamy result. Here are the steps for preparation:

1. Prepare a Paste: Mix the desired amount of custard powder and sugar with a small amount of milk to form a smooth, lump-free paste in a saucepan.
2. Heat the Milk: Gently heat the remaining milk in a separate pan until it is nearly boiling.
3. Combine and Whisk: Slowly pour the hot milk onto the paste, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
4. Thicken the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan over a gentle heat. Bring it to a boil while stirring constantly until the custard thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Serve: Enjoy your homemade custard hot or cold, with your favourite dessert.

Bird's Custard vs. Traditional Egg Custard

Understanding the key differences between Bird's and traditional custard helps appreciate what makes this British classic unique. Traditional custard (also known as crème anglaise) uses eggs for thickening and richness, while Bird's relies on a vegetarian, starch-based alternative.

Feature	Bird's Custard (Made from Powder)	Traditional Egg Custard (Crème Anglaise)
Thickening Agent	Maize starch (cornflour)	Egg yolks
Key Ingredients	Maize starch, salt, flavouring, annatto, milk, sugar	Egg yolks, sugar, milk or cream, vanilla
Preparation	Mix powder, sugar, and milk, then cook until thickened	Tempering egg yolks with hot milk is crucial to prevent scrambling
Flavour Profile	Subtly sweet and creamy, with a vanilla note	Richer, more complex flavour due to the egg yolks
Risk of Curdling	Extremely low risk; the starch prevents curdling	High risk; requires careful, low-heat cooking
Dietary Suitability	Egg-free, suitable for vegetarians, can be vegan with plant-based milk	Contains eggs; not suitable for those with egg allergies or vegetarians

Health Considerations: Egg-Free, Vegan, and Gluten-Free

For those with dietary restrictions, Bird's custard powder offers several advantages over its traditional counterpart:

• Egg-Free: The very reason for its invention was Alfred Bird's wife's egg allergy, making it a safe choice for those who cannot consume eggs.
• Vegan-Friendly: The original powder itself contains no animal products, with ingredients like maize starch, salt, flavouring, and annatto. Vegans can make a dairy-free custard by simply substituting dairy milk with a plant-based alternative such as oat, almond, or soy milk. However, it is important to note that the product may have a 'may contain milk' warning due to manufacturing processes.
• Gluten-Free: The primary ingredient, maize starch, is naturally gluten-free. Bird's has confirmed their powder is made with gluten-free ingredients. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, so it is not officially certified gluten-free. Those with serious gluten allergies should be aware of this potential risk.

The History Behind Bird's Egg-Free Innovation

Bird's Custard Powder was a product of necessity and serendipity. Chemist Alfred Bird, a chemist from Birmingham, England, created the egg-free recipe in 1837 for his wife, Elizabeth, who was allergic to eggs. Initially, the invention was just for her, but its true potential was realised when it was accidentally served to dinner guests. The guests enjoyed it so much that Alfred decided to produce it for a wider audience, and the rest is history. The company Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd. was established, and the custard powder quickly became a household staple, particularly in the UK and throughout the British Empire.

Uses Beyond a Simple Sauce

Bird's custard powder's versatility extends far beyond being a simple pouring sauce for desserts. Its thickening properties and flavour make it a useful ingredient in a variety of recipes, including:

• English Trifle: It forms the creamy custard layer that is essential for a classic trifle.
• Custard Creams: Used in the filling for the famous British custard cream biscuits.
• Tarts and Pies: Serves as a base for various fruit tarts and pies, such as custard tarts.
• Baked Goods: Can be incorporated into cakes and puddings to add flavour and moisture.
• Sauce Thickener: Its cornflour base makes it an effective thickener for gravies and other sauces.

Conclusion

What is bird custard made of? At its heart, it is an ingenious, egg-free alternative to traditional custard, created from humble ingredients like maize starch, salt, flavouring, and natural colour. Born from a considerate gesture for an allergy-sufferer, this simple-to-make powder became a beloved, versatile British staple. Its reliance on cornflour means it won't curdle like its egg-based counterpart, offering a consistently creamy result perfect for a wide range of desserts. For those seeking an egg-free, vegetarian, or easily-adapted vegan option, Bird's custard powder remains a practical and delicious choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bird's custard contain eggs?

No, Bird's custard powder is famously egg-free. It was invented in 1837 for Alfred Bird's wife, who was allergic to eggs, using maize starch as the thickening agent instead.

What gives Bird's custard its yellow colour?

Bird's custard gets its yellow colour from a natural food colouring called annatto. This ingredient gives the custard its signature hue without the use of eggs.

Is Bird's custard vegan?

The original Bird's custard powder is suitable for vegans because its core ingredients are plant-based. However, you must prepare it with a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. Some instant versions may contain milk powder.

Is Bird's custard powder gluten-free?

Yes, Bird's custard powder is made with gluten-free ingredients, primarily maize starch. However, the manufacturer cannot guarantee it is free from cross-contamination with gluten during the production process, so those with severe allergies should exercise caution.

What is the difference between Bird's custard and traditional custard?

The main difference is the thickening agent. Bird's custard uses cornflour, while traditional custard (crème anglaise) uses egg yolks. This makes Bird's custard egg-free, less prone to curdling, and simpler to prepare.

How do you make Bird's custard from the powder?

To make Bird's custard, you mix the powder and sugar with a small amount of milk to form a paste. Then, you stir in heated milk and cook the mixture until it thickens.

Can I use Bird's custard powder for baking?

Yes, Bird's custard powder is a versatile ingredient used for more than just a pouring sauce. It can be incorporated into recipes for trifles, tarts, and biscuits like custard creams.