Custard Tart Histamine Information

Custard Tarts are a popular dessert that includes various ingredients whose interaction with histamine levels is worthwhile exploring. The classic recipe includes ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and sometimes nutmeg or other spicing. Starting with milk and cream, both are generally low in histamine content and are unlikely to significantly enhance histamine levels unless one is specifically intolerant to them. However, if they are soured or fermented (which is not typically the case in custard tarts), they could become potential histamine liberators (1). Eggs, which are key in custard production, are also usually low in histamine. Generally, only individuals with an egg allergy would likely experience a surge in histamine due to the immune response that the allergenic proteins in eggs can trigger (2). Sugar has no notable action on histamine levels. But about the spices, especially nutmeg, it's listed among foods that may delay the breakdown of histamine, possibly leading to an increase in histamine levels within the body (3). It's important to note that this is a general assessment based on the standard ingredients in custard tarts. Specific recipes or variations might include ingredients with different effects on histamine levels. For example, some recipes may include strawberries or citrus fruits as flavor enhancers or toppings, which are known histamine liberators, and this could affect overall histamine levels (4). In conclusion, while a typical custard tart itself isn't a significant source of histamine, certain ingredients like nutmeg may slow histamine breakdown, and optional additional ingredients could potentially liberate more histamine. References: 1. Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. 2. Sicherer, S. H. (2001). Clinical implications of cross-reactive food allergens. Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 108(6), 881-890. 3. Guidance Document for the Industry on Histamine (2012). Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). 4. Wantke, F., Gotz, M., & Jarisch, R. (1993). Histamine-free diet: treatment of choice for histamine-induced food intolerance and supporting treatment for chronical headaches. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 23(12), 982-985.