Today is national biscuit day
National Biscuit Day History
National Biscuit Day is a celebration that serves as an appreciation of the existence of biscuits in the lives of millions of people. It is customarily a time for sharing and exchanging biscuits, as well as trying new and more local and traditional varieties.
The diverse range of biscuits available throughout the UK has a long-standing history that dates back to medieval times. Biscuits have been an integral part of British culinary heritage and have become symbolic of the nation’s tea culture. Popular British biscuits include Digestives, Shortbread, Hobnobs. The celebration of National Biscuit Day in the UK is a homage to these treats that have been a source of comfort, pleasure, and companionship with a cup of tea for centuries.
National Biscuit Day is observed annually on May 29th, providing an opportunity for biscuit enthusiasts from all over the United Kingdom to indulge, share, and celebrate their favourite baked goods.
National Biscuit Day facts
- According to Today in History, Alexander P. Ashbourne of Oakland, California received patent number 170,460 for an improved biscuit-cutter in 1875. Prior to his invention, cooks would roll and shape their biscuits by hand. Ashbourne’s invention consisted of a board to roll the biscuit dough out on which was hinged to a metal plate with various biscuit cutter shapes mounted to it.
- The average buttermilk biscuit has over 200 calories.
- The Egyptians were among the first to bake a form of biscuit-like bread, while the Romans baked a variety of sweet and savory biscuits. Biscuits gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a convenient food for travelers and soldiers.
- The tradition of dipping biscuits into tea is said to have been popularized by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in the 19th century.
- According to a study by McVitie’s, British people consume more than 11 billion biscuits every year, with an average of 34 packs per person annually.