Ancient Origins and Ingredients
- Marshmallows originated around 2000 BCE in Egypt, where sap from the mallow plant was combined with honey and nuts.
- The mallow plant, Althaea officinalis, thrived in marshy European, Asian, and North African regions.
- Marshmallow was initially a medicinal remedy for coughs and skin ailments.
Development in France
- In the 1800s, French confectioners hand-whipped mallow root sap into a soft confection.
- The starch mogul system was utilized to mold confections, allowing for greater production.
- Gelatin eventually replaced mallow root, creating the stable form of modern marshmallow.
Industrial Revolution Impact
- In 1948, Alex Doumak revolutionized marshmallow production with an extrusion process.
- This new process involves running ingredients through tubes to be cut and packaged.
- The extrusion process enabled marshmallows to be mass-produced and became a popular candy in the 20th century.
Modern Consumption and Popularity
- Marshmallows became a staple in American culture with the promotion in Girl Scout publications in the 1920s.
- Today, marshmallows are enjoyed globally and used widely in treats such as s’mores and breakfast cereals.
♠
Found a bug? Have some other thoughts on this tool? Let me know here →