what is custard powder made of - #23382

Custard powder, often used in baking and desserts like your trifle, is essentially a substitute for real custard. Its primary ingredient is mostly cornstarch, which acts as a thickening agent. This provides that nice, creamy texture you experienced. Besides cornstarch, custard powder typically contains flavoring agents, such as vanilla or other essence — giving it that familiar custard flavor without the need for eggs. Coloring is also a common component, and it's often synthetic, like tartrazine (a yellow food dye), which can be a concern for those sensitive to artificial additives. Indeed, such dyes are a worry due to potential allergic reactions or behavioral effects in sensitive individuals, but it's not universally harmful in the quantities usually consumed. To turn custard powder into that luscious custard you tasted, one usually mixes it with milk and a bit of sugar. You'd slowly heat this mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens, then let it cool. This process allows the cornstarch to activate, thickening the milk into a custard-like consistency. Now, from an Ayurvedic perspective, if you're seeking something that aligns better with a natural or balancing diet, you might consider making homemade custard using ingredients like milk (or a milk substitute), jaggery for sweetness, and natural spices like vanilla beans or cardamom for flavor — avoiding artificial colors and flavors. Also, if Pitta dosha is imbalanced, one may want to avoid excessive heat and favor cool things. So having your custard chilled or using cooling spices like fennel could be beneficial. But, as always, the exact approach should be tailored to your specific constitution and needs. If you wish to go down the healthiest route, here's something simple: mix warm milk with jaggery and ground cardamom. Stir it gently till the jagery dissolves, and boil it slightly to thicken — it's simply divine and aligns well with Ayurvedic principles. But remember, balance and individualization in dietary choices are key to aligning with Ayurveda effectively. Enjoy your culinary adventures!