Today is Toasted Marshmallow Day. What does that have to do with Regency England? Probably nothing...but I did begin to wonder about the marshmallow itself. Who thought up this candied concoction that my husband and granddaughter love so much? Wondering minds want to know. I had to find out.
Today is Toasted Marshmallow Day. What does that have to do with Regency England? Probably nothing...but I did begin to wonder about the marshmallow itself. Who thought up this candied concoction that my husband and granddaughter love so much? Wondering minds want to know. I had to find out.
Did you know the marshmallow first came into being as a medicinal substance? Extracts from the root of the marsh mallow plant were praised as a soothing remedy for sore throats. Other parts of the plant were prepared for additional medical uses as well.
The ancient Egyptians used the marshmallow to make candy. The recipe called for the sap of the marsh mallow plant, nuts and honey. Then early 19th century France candy makers whipped the sap and sweetened it to make a confection very similar to today's marshmallow, however, it was very labor intensive. By the late 19th century, they had changed the recipe adding eggs and gelatin, which then required a more industrial method of production. And the modern marshmallow was on it's was to being born!
There is lots of great information out there, if you want to know more.
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