Biscuits and Brews

A Journey Through British Biscuit History

In Britain, biscuits are more than just treats to have with a hot drink; they're cultural icons, each with its own history, name, and fanbase. So, grab a cuppa and join the team at St Mary’s on a foray into the wonderful world of British biscuits!

The term "biscuit" itself is derived from the Latin word "biscoctum," meaning "twice baked," which refers to the original method of baking biscuits. Early biscuits were hard, dry, and durable, making them ideal for long journeys and as provisions for sailors and soldiers. They were often made from a simple mixture of flour, water, and sometimes honey or fat.

In Britain, biscuits began to gain popularity in the Middle Ages, with recipes appearing in cookbooks as early as the 14th century. By the 17th century, biscuits had become a common part of the British diet, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The Industrial Revolution further fuelled the popularity of biscuits, as technological advancements made mass production possible.

Legend has it that Queen Victoria herself was quite the biscuit aficionado, giving her royal seal of approval to the now-iconic Digestive. And thus, the love affair between Britons and biscuits was sealed, one dunk at a time.

British biscuits are known by a variety of names, reflecting their diverse origins and characteristics. Some of the most popular names include:

1. Digestive: Digestive biscuits, which originated in the 19th century, were believed to aid digestion due to their high baking soda content. Today, they are enjoyed for their slightly sweet, wheaty flavour and crumbly texture.

2. Shortbread: A traditional Scottish biscuit made from butter, sugar, and flour, Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery taste and tender texture. It is often formed into round or rectangular shapes and may be decorated with fork impressions or sugar.

3. Custard Creams: These iconic biscuits consist of two layers of vanilla-flavoured biscuit sandwiched together with a sweet, custard-flavoured filling. Custard Creams have been a favourite among Britons since the early 20th century.

4. Jammie Dodgers: A playful name for a delightful biscuit, Jammie Dodgers feature two shortbread-like biscuits sandwiched together with a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam. They are often recognised by their heart-shaped cut-out on the top biscuit.

5. Rich Tea: Known for their subtle flavour and light, crispy texture, Rich Tea biscuits are a popular choice for dunking in tea. They have been enjoyed since the late 19th century and are a staple in British households.

6. Hobnobs: Introduced in the 1980s by McVitie's, Hobnobs are oat-based biscuits known for their hearty texture and buttery flavour. They come in various varieties, including chocolate-coated and caramel-flavoured.

7. Ginger Nuts: These spicy, ginger-flavoured biscuits have been enjoyed in Britain since the 19th century. They are known for their crunchy texture and warming flavour, making them a favourite during colder months.

8. Bourbon Creams: Named after the French royal house of Bourbon, Bourbon Creams consist of two chocolate-flavoured biscuits sandwiched together with a chocolate-flavoured filling. They are a popular choice for chocolate lovers.

British biscuits come in a wide range of types, each offering its own unique flavour and texture. Some common types include:

1. Plain Biscuits: These include simple, unadorned biscuits such as Digestives, Rich Tea, and Shortbread, which are enjoyed for their straightforward flavours and versatility.

2. Filled Biscuits: Biscuits with fillings such as custard, jam, or chocolate, like Custard Creams, Jammie Dodgers, and Bourbon Creams, add an extra layer of flavour and indulgence.

3. Oat Biscuits: Oat-based biscuits like Hobnobs are hearty and wholesome, often featuring a rustic texture and a hint of sweetness from oats and golden syrup.

4. Spiced Biscuits: Biscuits flavoured with spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, like Ginger Nuts, offer a warm and comforting taste that is perfect for cosying up with a cup of tea.

5. Chocolate Biscuits: Biscuits coated in chocolate or containing chocolate chips, like Chocolate Digestives or Chocolate Hobnobs, provide a decadent treat for chocolate lovers.

6. Fancy Biscuits: These are elaborately decorated or flavoured biscuits often enjoyed on special occasions or as gifts. Examples include Florentines, Viennese Whirls, and Macarons.

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of British biscuits, from humble beginnings to lofty status as tea-time titans. Whether you're a Custard Cream connoisseur or a Jammie Dodger devotee, one thing's for sure – biscuits are more than just sweet treats; they're a way of life.

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