A TikTok historian has revealed the surprising origin of the swirly pattern on custard cream biscuits, tracing it back to a Victorian-era fern craze. The account @TheOtherBritishMuseum shared that the pattern, often described as 'over the top' and 'ornate,' was inspired by ferns, which were wildly popular in the 19th century.
The Victorian Fern Obsession
According to the historian, people in the early 1900s were 'mad' for ferns. They held fern-hunting parties and collected them so fervently that some species became extinct. This craze was sparked by George Loddiges, who built the world's largest greenhouse in Hackney during the 19th century. To recoup the enormous building costs, he needed visitors. It is believed he started a rumor that an interest in ferns was a sign of intelligence, and the ploy worked, igniting a lasting trend.
Custard Creams and the Fern Design
When custard creams were first created in 1908, the fern-inspired pattern was embossed onto them as a marketing tool. The historian quipped, 'That's what those swirls are supposed to be. Not sure they did the greatest job.' However, commenters defended the design, noting that the swirls resemble budding ferns as they unfurl. One user wrote, 'They DO look like ferns as they are growing/unfurling,' while another added, 'The swirls look like budding ferns. When they first start to bud they look like spirals.' A third praised the biscuit itself, calling it 'a biscuit king.'
Modern Revival
Custard creams remain a British staple, with most supermarkets offering their own versions. Recently, M&S launched a new collection featuring custard creams dipped in chocolate and flavored with matcha, giving the classic biscuit a modern twist. The pattern, however, has remained unchanged for over a century, a testament to its enduring appeal.
