History of Marshmallows
Ancient Egyptians were the first to enjoy a gooey treat now called marshmallow as early as 2000 BC. The treat was considered very special and it was reserved for gods and royalty.
Marshmallow was made from the mallow plant (Athaea officinalis) that grows wild in marshes. The term marshmallow was derived both from the native home of the plant and the plant name. Mallow is native to Asia and Europe and has been naturalized in America. The Egyptians squeezed sap from the mallow plant and mixed it with nuts and honey. However, no one knows what the candy looked like in those times.
The French were introduced to marshmallow in the early to mid-1800s. Owners of small candy stores whipped sap from the mallow root into a fluffy candy mold. This time-consuming process was typically done by hand. Candy stores had a hard time keeping up with the demand. Candy makers started looking for a new process to make marshmallows and found the starch mogul system in the late 1800s. It allowed candy makers to create marshmallow molds made of modified cornstarch. At this same time, candy makers replaced the mallow root with gelatin and this created the marshmallow stable form.
Marshmallows were introduced and popularized in the United States in the early 1900s, after the new manufacturing process was developed.
In 1948, Alex Doumak revolutionized the process for manufacturing marshmallows. He created and patented the extrusion process. This process involves taking the marshmallow ingredients and running it through tubes. Afterwards, ingredients are cut into equal pieces and packaged. In the 1950s, marshmallows became extremely popular in the United States and were used in a variety of food recipes.
Today, Americans are the main consumers of marshmallows. According to experts, Americans buy more than 90 million pounds annually. Marshmallow is considered a year-round snack even though the majority is sold during October and December.
History of S’mores
The history of the s’more is a mystery. No one knows who started the tradition of roasting marshmallows. However, in 1927 the Girl Scout Handbook was the first documentation of the recipe combining marshmallows with chocolate and graham crackers.
The Girl Scouts organization was likely responsible for naming the treat. The term s’more allegedly stands for “gimme some more.”
S’mores have been popular throughout the years, especially with children. S’more are synonymous with camping and summer fun.
How are marshmallows made?
In the 19th century, marshmallows were made by mixing mallow root sap, egg whites and sugar into a fluffy mold. The French added cornstarch to help speed up the production and give the candy its unforgettable form.
Today the manufacturing of marshmallows is quite different. Mallow root sap has been replaced by gelatin. Corn syrup, starch, sugar and water are mixed with the gelatin. The fluffy mixture is piped through long tubes and then cut into equal pieces. To create shaped marshmallows like Peeps, a special nozzle moves back and forth to cut the marshmallow into recognizable shapes.
Marshmallows also can be made at home. The ingredients are almost the same, but salt and vanilla extract can be added in for flavoring.
Fun facts about marshmallows:
- The marshmallow capital of the world is in Ligonier, Noble County, Indiana.
- Each summer more than 50 percent of all marshmallows sold are eventually toasted over a fire.
FAQs
A typical marshmallow contains sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, plus some air. That's it. “A marshmallow is basically a foam that's stabilized by gelatin,” says Richard Hartel, a food engineer at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Are marshmallows a healthy snack? ›
Marshmallows are a sweet treat that many of us enjoy with hot chocolate, on top of sweet potatoes, or even shaped into peeps at Easter time. But these fluffy white puffs aren't very nutritious. Marshmallow ingredients usually include just sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.
What is the gelatin in marshmallows made of? ›
Gelatin is the aerator most often used in the production of marshmallows. It is made up of collagen, a structural protein derived from animal skin, connective tissue, and bones. Not only can it stabilize foams, like albumen, but when combined with water it forms a thermally-reversible gel.
Are marshmallows good for your stomach? ›
Overall, marshmallows offer a sweet and easy-to-digest treat for people with sensitive stomachs. Their high sugar content and gelatinous texture make them gentle on the digestive system, while also providing a range of health benefits.
What is the benefits of eating marshmallow? ›
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) is a plant. The leaves and the root are sometimes used to make medicine. Marshmallow is sometimes used to form a protective layer on the skin and lining of the digestive tract. It also contains chemicals that might decrease cough and fight infections.
What were marshmallows originally made for? ›
Marshmallow has been enjoyed around the world for over 4,000 years, with the earliest known recipe coming from Egypt, around 2000 B.C.E., and was not used as a tasty snack, but as medicine instead.
What happens to your body when you eat a marshmallow? ›
Marshmallow is generally considered safe. It has no reported side effects. It appears to be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, although you should check with your doctor before taking it. One study suggests marshmallow may lower blood sugar levels.
Why do bodybuilders eat marshmallows? ›
The amount of marshmallows/sugar found in some of our proteins is not bad and can be beneficial. The foods/condiments/drinks you consume on a daily basis more than likely have more sugar than what is found in some of our proteins. Sugar/carbs can help replace muscle glycogen and can be used as a rapid fuel source.
Why do marshmallows help with cough? ›
“Natural marshmallow root helps develop a protective coat along the lining of the throat, esophagus, and lungs, which can be soothing and act as an anti-inflammatory,” Dr. Mehdizadeh says. “This may in turn soothe irritation from any number of causes which could cause a cough.”
Can diabetics eat marshmallows? ›
Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Diabetes: There is a concern that marshmallow might interfere with blood sugar control. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar carefully to avoid dangerously low blood sugar. Surgery: Marshmallow might affect blood sugar levels.
This is because marshmallow root can help build a protective coat in your mouth and throat that relieves irritation and swelling. Marshmallow root can also reduce dry cough symptoms.
Is marshmallow good for constipation? ›
Protects the gut: Marshmallow root can help relieve a number of digestive issues including heartburn, acid reflux, diarrhea, and even constipation. The mucilage coats the inner lining of the stomach and esophagus, protecting it and preventing burning sensations.
What causes the marshmallow to melt at a campfire? ›
Marshmallows start to melt when they heat up to just above body temperature, Hartings says. But if you're not careful, you can completely burn the outside before the inside even gets warm. The heat of the fire shakes loose the chemical bonds in the gelatin that hold the candy together, which makes the marshmallow ooze.
Are peeps decorated with edible wax? ›
In their traditional form, Peeps are shaped like baby chickens and made of a soft marshmallow rolled in colored sugar, with eyes made of edible wax.
Are marshmallows dairy free? ›
Many marshmallows produced in the United States only consist of sugar, water, and gelatin. This makes them dairy-free, and in most cases, gluten-free.
What is marshmallow fluff made of? ›
Fluff's ingredients include corn syrup, sugar syrup, vanilla flavor, and egg whites. Fluff continues to be a regional tradition in the Northeastern United States.
