Custard: meaning, definitions and examples

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custard

[ˈkʌstərd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

A sweet yellow sauce made from milk, eggs, and sugar, typically served with desserts such as fruit or puddings.

Synonyms

cream, dessert topping, sauce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
custard	Custard can also refer to a similar mixture but in a different form, like custard pudding, which is often baked. She baked a delicious custard pudding for the party. He loves custard pie because of its smooth texture.
sauce	Sauce is a general term for a liquid or semi-liquid substance served with food to add moisture and flavor. It is broader than custard and can be sweet or savory. He poured chocolate sauce over the brownie. They love pasta with a rich tomato sauce.
cream	Cream is a dairy product that is thicker than milk and can be whipped to add a light, airy texture to desserts or used in various recipes. It is versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Would you like some whipped cream on your hot chocolate? He added a dollop of cream to the soup to make it richer.
dessert topping	Dessert topping generally refers to any sweet addition that is put on top of desserts, such as whipped cream, sauces, or sprinkles. It is used to enhance the flavor and appearance of the dessert. She added caramel dessert topping to the ice cream. The cake was decorated with a chocolate dessert topping.

Examples of usage

She poured custard over the apple pie.
The trifle was topped with a layer of custard.
The children loved the creamy custard on their ice cream.
The custard had a rich and smooth texture.
The custard thickened as it cooled.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

color

A pale yellow color resembling that of custard.

Synonyms

cream, light yellow, pale yellow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
custard	Custard is typically used to describe a sweet, creamy dessert made from milk, eggs, sugar, and flavorings. It is commonly used in pastries, as a dessert topping, or eaten on its own. Could you pass me the custard, please? I want to pour it over my apple pie. The vanilla custard inside the eclair was delicious.
pale yellow	Pale yellow is also a color descriptor referring to a very light, soft shade of yellow. It is similar to light yellow and is used in similar contexts such as design, fashion, and nature. It is neutral in connotation. The dress she wore to the wedding was a lovely pale yellow. The pale yellow sunrise filled the sky with a gentle glow.
cream	Cream can refer to the thick, high-fat part of milk that rises to the top, or it can describe any dairy product similar in texture. It is often used in cooking, baking, and as a topping for desserts or coffee. I like to add a splash of cream to my coffee in the morning. The cream on the cake was light and fluffy.
light yellow	Light yellow is a color descriptor that refers to a pale shade of yellow. It is often used in contexts related to design, fashion, and nature. It doesn't have any negative connotations. She painted her bedroom walls light yellow to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere. The light yellow flowers bloomed beautifully in the spring garden.

Examples of usage

The walls were painted in a soft custard shade.
Her dress was a lovely custard color.
The room had a warm custard hue.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'custard' comes from the Old French term 'croustade,' relating to a type of pie with a crust.
The tradition of making custard can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was often used as a filling for savory tarts.
In England, custard was popularized in the 19th century, leading to variations like baked custard and custard tarts.

Culinary Variations

There are different types of custard, including pastry cream used in pastry-making and crème brûlée, which has a caramelized sugar topping.
Some cultures have their own versions; for example, 'flan' in Latin America is a caramel custard, while 'crema catalana' in Spain is similar but has a burnt top.
Eggs can be replaced with alternatives like cornstarch or tofu in vegan custards, making it accessible to various diets.

Science of Custard

The smooth texture of custard comes from the proteins in eggs, which thicken when gently heated, creating a rich consistency.
Custard can be sensitive to temperature; cooking it too quickly can cause it to curdle, while gentle heating ensures a creamy end product.
When heated properly, custard can develop what's called 'coagulation,' where the mixture forms a stable structure without becoming rubbery.

Cultural Significance

Custard has been a favorite dessert for generations, often served at celebrations, emphasizing its role in comfort food across cultures.
In British cuisine, custard is often paired with warm desserts like pies and crumbles, known locally as 'custard baths.'
The famous nursery rhyme 'Hey Diddle Diddle' includes a line about a cow jumping over the moon, reflecting the playful and whimsical nature of desserts like custard.

Pop Culture

Custard has appeared in various films and TV shows, often symbolizing comfort or nostalgic childhood memories.
The dessert was featured in the popular animated series 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' showcasing a whimsical take on sweet treats.
Famous personalities like Julia Child celebrated custard, integrating it into their cooking lessons, thus making it a beloved dish in many homes.

Translations

Translations of the word "custard" in other languages:

🇵🇹 creme de confeiteiro

🇮🇳 कस्टर्ड

🇩🇪 Karamellpudding

🇮🇩 kue flan

🇺🇦 заварний крем

🇵🇱 krem budyniowy

🇯🇵 カスタード

🇫🇷 crème anglaise

🇪🇸 natillas

🇹🇷 muhallebi

🇰🇷 커스터드

🇸🇦 كاسترد

🇨🇿 pudink

🇸🇰 puding

🇨🇳 蛋奶糊

🇸🇮 vanilijeva krema

🇮🇸 vanillubúðingur

🇰🇿 крем

🇬🇪 კარამელი

🇦🇿 krem

🇲🇽 natillas

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,263, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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