Meet Harold Jennings, a 106-year-old gentleman from Lincolnshire, who claims that the key to his long life isn't kale, cold plunges, or supplements, it's Bird’s Custard, enjoyed daily, often with rhubarb or in a classic trifle.
Yes, you read that right. The beloved British dessert staple, found in kitchens up and down the country for generations, may just be the most comforting elixir of life we’ve yet to discover.
“Rhubarb and Custard’s Kept Me Going!”
According to Harold, who recently celebrated his birthday with a modest garden party and, of course, a big bowl of rhubarb and custard, the tradition started when he was a child.
“My mum used to make Bird’s Custard every Sunday. Sometimes with sponge, sometimes with fruit, but my favourite was always rhubarb from the allotment. I’ve kept it going all these years. A little bowl a day. Keeps the doctor at bay!” he chuckled.
A Nation’s Favourite for Over a Century
Bird’s Custard, invented by Alfred Bird in 1837, has been a staple of British puddings ever since. Whether served warm over sponge, cold in a trifle, or as part of the nostalgic pairing with stewed rhubarb, it holds a special place in the nation’s heart.
Its simplicity, just add milk a bit of sugar and heat it, and its comforting texture make it a timeless treat. And for Harold, it’s clearly much more than that; it’s a daily ritual and a link to cherished memories.
The Joy of Everyday Comforts
While we can’t officially claim custard as a health food, there's something to be said for the power of routine, pleasure, and a bit of indulgence. At 106, Harold still lives independently, tends to his tomatoes in the garden, and says his "one non-negotiable" is his evening bowl of custard — especially with some rhubarb or tucked into a homemade trifle.
Modern nutritionists agree that moderation, happiness, and consistency are often more powerful than trends. In Harold’s case, Bird’s Custard may not just be dessert — it’s a source of joy, nostalgia, and perhaps, longevity.
Want to Live to 106? Here’s What Harold Recommends:
Have a daily treat — “Mine’s custard. Yours could be something else. But make it something you look forward to.”
Keep a routine — “I get up, I have my breakfast, I do my crossword. Keeps the mind going.”
Enjoy the little things — “Bird’s Custard doesn’t cost much. But it’s golden in my book.”
Don’t stress — “I’ve seen wars and Wi-Fi. Neither made me panic.”
Conclusion: A Pudding Worth Celebrating
So, is eating bowls of Bird’s Custard the key to a long life? Perhaps not in the strictest scientific sense, but in Harold’s story, it clearly plays a starring role in a life well lived, full of flavour, warmth, and tradition.
Next time you stir up a pan of custard, take a moment to enjoy it slowly, and maybe even raise a spoon to Harold — the man proving that sometimes, a bit of pudding really can do you good.
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