Marshmallow

A marshmallow is a type of confection that, in its modern form, consists of sugar, egg whites, gelatin, water, and air. The traditional recipe used an extract from the root of the marsh mallow, a shrubby herb (Althaea officinalis), instead of gelatin.

Marshmallows are popular with children and adults alike, and can be eaten with or without accompaniments. In Thanksgiving, marshmallows are often placed on top of a dish of candied sweet potatoes. By far the most popular places to find marshmallows are as roast marshmallows, in jello salads, in Rice Krispies treats and in s'mores. Rice Krispies are a puffed rice breakfast cereal that are combined with melted marshmallows, produce a crunchy, sweet bar. S'mores are traditionally made by cooking a marshmallow over an open fire, especially a campfire, and then placing it with chocolate between graham crackers. Marshmallows are also often added to hot chocolate or café mocha (mochachino).

Marshmallow the Herb

Althea officinalis (marshmallow) have medicinal properties. The leaves, which are collected in summer as the plant begins to flower, have demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, and emollient properties. It is generally used in ailments of the lungs and the urinary systems, specifically in urethritis and urinary gravel. The root, which is harvested in late autumn, has demulcent, diuretic, emollient, and vulnerary properties. It is generally used for digestive and skin problems, specifically inflammations of the mouth, gastritis, peptic ulcer, enteritis and colitis. Externally the root is used in varicose veins, ulcers, abscesses, and boils.

The root contains starch (37%), mucilage (11%), pectin (11%), flavonoids, phenolic acids, sucrose and asparagine.

See also

Marshmallow Fluff