Tag: Marshmallow history

Did you know that Americans consume over 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually? This fluffy confection has a surprisingly simple base, but many people are still unsure exactly what ingredients do marshmallows have and how they get their signature texture.

The fluffy confection known as a marshmallow was originally made from the sap of the marsh mallow plant, used by ancient Egyptians for medicinal purposes. The answer to what part of the animal is a marshmallow lies in a key gelling ingredient introduced much later, during a confectionery revolution.

As far back as 2000 BCE, ancient Egyptians extracted sap from the marsh mallow plant and mixed it with honey to create a treat that was also a medicinal remedy for sore throats. This surprising fact reveals the complex answer to the question: did marshmallows used to be good for you?