Custard Pie - History of Custard

History of Custard

The Ancient Romans were the first to understand the binding properties of eggs. During the Middle Ages, the first custard pies, as we know them, began to appear. Initially, custards were used only as fillings for pies, pastries and tarts. Both Europe and Asia had recipes that contained custards. The word custard is derived from ‘crustade’ which is a tart with a crust. After the 16th century, custards began to be used in individual dishes rather than as a filling in crusts.

In 1837, an English chemist named Alfred Bird introduced a form of custard thickened with the powdered starch from corn (maize), a plant from the Americas. This became widely known as Bird's Custard, though it is not considered true custard because of this use of cornstarch instead of eggs. However, this is the main reason Bird’s custard became popular; because there were no eggs used there was no risk for the mixture curdling.

During the 19th century in North America, custards and puddings were marketed as having health benefits. Among those specifically targeted were children and mentally disabled invalids. Ingredients stated to be healthy included tapioca and arrowroot. By the 1930s, instant pudding and custard were widely available to North Americans.

Today, custards are used as filling in pies and tarts, and as individual dishes. Ideally a custard pie should be light and delicate, but still have good body. Custards can be made in two ways: baked or stirred upon the stove, but most custard pie recipes call for baking. The eggs in custard mixtures, when cooked, turn from liquid to solid. If cooked over excessive heat, the eggs will curdle, which is extremely undesirable. Curdling can be prevented by using lower temperatures and stirring. As such, making true custard pie is a very delicate process.