Bird's Custard facts for kids
A tin of Bird's Custard powder and prepared custard in a measuring jug
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| Type | Custard |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United Kingdom |
| Region or state | Birmingham |
| Created by | Alfred Bird |
| Main ingredients | Cornflour, salt, colouring, flavouring |
Bird's Custard is a famous brand of custard powder. It's special because it doesn't use eggs, unlike traditional custard. This powder is mostly made from cornflour. When you mix it with milk and heat it up, it becomes a thick, creamy sauce that tastes like custard. Many other companies also make similar "custard powder" or "instant custard powder" products.
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The Story of Bird's Custard
Bird's Custard was first made in 1837 by a chemist named Alfred Bird. He lived in Birmingham, England. Alfred created this special recipe because his wife was allergic to eggs. Eggs are usually a main ingredient in traditional custard.
One evening, Alfred's egg-free custard was served to dinner guests. Everyone loved it! Because it was so popular, Alfred decided to start making it for everyone to buy.
How People Use Custard
In places like Australia and the United Kingdom, Bird's Custard is so popular that people often just call any custard "custard." They might even be thinking of the Bird's type, not the traditional egg-based one.
Today, you can find "instant" versions of custard powder. These already have powdered milk and sugar, so you just add hot water. You can also buy ready-made custard in tins or cartons.
The Bird's Company
After his custard became a hit, Alfred Bird started a company called Alfred Bird and Sons Ltd. in Birmingham. By 1843, his company was also making baking powder. They started selling custard powder all over the country by 1844.
Later, the company grew even more. By 1895, they were making other products like blancmange powder and jelly powder. During World War I, Bird's Custard was even given to the British soldiers.
The company was very good at advertising. They used colorful ads and gave out special items to promote their products. The well-known 'three bird' logo was first used in 1929.
After World War II, Bird's was bought by a larger company called General Foods. Over the years, it changed hands a few times. Since late 2004, Bird's Custard has been owned by Premier Foods.
The original Bird's custard factory in Birmingham is no longer used for making custard. However, the larger factory building that Bird's opened in Gibb Street is still there. It has been turned into a cool arts center called the Custard Factory.
What's in Bird's Custard?
For many years, some Bird's products, including the instant custard powder, contained a type of oil called partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This oil was later found to be unhealthy for the heart.
But don't worry! Since 2009, all Bird's custards have changed to use healthier, unhydrogenated vegetable oil.
Fun Science with Custard
When you cook custard, it becomes a soft, thick gel. But what about uncooked custard powder mixed with water? If you mix the right amount of cornstarch (custard powder) with water, it creates a very interesting liquid.
This mixture is called oobleck. It's a type of non-Newtonian fluid. This means it doesn't act like a normal liquid. If you push on it slowly, it feels like a liquid. But if you hit it or press it hard, it becomes solid for a moment! It's often used in science demonstrations because it's so surprising. Imagine filling a swimming pool with it – you could actually walk across it if you moved fast enough!
See also
