Rhubarb and Custard Sweets take me back to the 1970s – a time when flared trousers, platform shoes, and glam rock reigned supreme. For many of us who grew up during this iconic decade, our fondest memories are often associated with the simple pleasures of life, like the pocket money spent on delicious treats at our local sweetshop. One sweet that really takes the biscuit (or rather, the sweet) is the classic rhubarb and custard sweet. Let’s go for a wander down memory lane and rediscover this all-time favourite British boiled sweet iconic classic.
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The Tantalising Taste of Rhubarb and Custard Sweets
The flavour combination of tangy rhubarb and creamy custard is truly a match made in confectionery heaven. These traditional hard-boiled sweets were a staple in every British sweetshop, and their distinctive red and yellow striped appearance made them easy to spot in the pick ‘n’ mix. Rhubarb and custard sweets were like mouthwatering little drops of joy, with their moreish taste lingering on our taste buds long after we’d polished off the last one.
Other Sweets from the 70s That We Adored
Of course, rhubarb and custard sweets weren’t the only treats that we loved to indulge in. The 1970s were a golden age for British confectionery, and our local sweetshops were bursting with a plethora of mouth-watering options. Some of our other favourites included:
- Black Jacks: These aniseed-flavoured chews were the perfect contrast to rhubarb and custard sweets, with their strong taste and black colour that turned our tongues a mysterious shade of blue.
- Flying Saucers: The combination of sherbet-filled rice paper and a UFO shape made these an irresistible choice for our pocket money treats.
- Swizzels Parma Violets: These iconic purple sweets were delicately flavoured with violet and their floral taste was just as divisive as Marmite – you either loved them or loathed them!
- Love Hearts (also from Swizzels): All the girls at our junior school adored love hearts with their smoochy messages. Us boys on the other hand were too busy playing football in the playground with jumpers for goalposts to be interested in that sort of thing… But we were more than happy to devour them when one came our way!
The History of Rhubarb and Custard Sweets
Rhubarb has been a popular ingredient in British cuisine for centuries, and its unique flavour can be traced back to its origins in Asia. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the delightful combination of rhubarb and custard became a staple dessert in British households. The first rhubarb and custard sweets were made in the early 20th century by confectioners who wanted to capture the essence of this classic pudding in a portable form – and they certainly succeeded!
The Enduring Popularity of Rhubarb and Custard Sweets
Rhubarb and custard sweets have stood the test of time, with their popularity never waning. Even today, they continue to be a favourite amongst children and adults alike, and their nostalgic charm is undeniable. Many of us who grew up in the 1970s can’t help but feel a warm sense of nostalgia as we savour these delicious boiled sweets, transporting us back to a time of carefree innocence and simple pleasures.
So, whether you’re a fan of the classic rhubarb and custard flavour or you prefer the taste of other 1970s favourites like Black Jacks and Parma Violets, there’s no denying that these treats hold a special place in our hearts. Next time you’re feeling a bit peckish for a sweet treat, why not take a trip down memory lane and indulge in some good old-fashioned rhubarb and custard sweets? It’s sure to leave you feeling nostalgic and, most importantly, satisfied!
