Tag: Marshmallow plant

According to herbalists and historical uses, the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has been consumed safely for centuries, inspiring the modern confection. While the fluffy candy no longer contains the plant, many still wonder, is marshmallow plant safe to eat? The answer is generally yes, but with important considerations for identification and preparation.

Over 90 million pounds of marshmallows are consumed by Americans annually, and the simple list of ingredients is often a surprise to many. So, what ingredients does marshmallow contain? The key components are air, water, sugar, and a whipping agent, typically gelatin, which provides its unique fluffy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.