Marshmallows

Marshmallows are soft, fluffy, squishy sweets that almost everyone loves. They are white and puffy and taste sweet and sugary. One of the best ways to eat a marshmallow is to roast it over a campfire until it turns golden and gooey. Marshmallows are also used in hot chocolate, s'mores, and many desserts.

How Marshmallows Are Made

Modern marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and water. The ingredients are heated and then whipped with air until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is what gives marshmallows their soft, spongy texture. The fluffy mixture is poured into molds or spread out and cut into pieces. They are dusted with cornstarch so they do not stick together.

The History of Marshmallows

Marshmallows were originally made from the sap of the marshmallow plant, which grows in marshes. Ancient Egyptians made a honey candy with marshmallow sap over 4,000 years ago. In the 1800s, French candy makers whipped the sap into a fluffy treat. Today, gelatin is used instead of plant sap, but the name marshmallow stuck.

Fun Facts

• The marshmallow plant is a real plant that grows in marshes and wetlands.
• Americans buy about 90 million pounds of marshmallows every year.
• The largest s'more ever made used over 40,000 marshmallows.

Did You Know?

Ancient Egyptians made a treat from the marshmallow plant over 4,000 years ago, but it was only for royalty and gods!