Who doesn't love soft and sweet marshmallows? No matter whether floating in hot chocolate or gobbled up as s'mores, marshmallows are a tasty treat for kids and adults around the world. But do you know that the confectionery actually evolved from a plant called marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)?

The ancient Egyptians used the sap of the plant and mixed it with honey and nuts, producing a treat that only the nobility had right to enjoy. In the 19th century, cooks in France made candies called pâte de guimauve by mixing the marshmallow's root juice with eggs and sugar. However, the process was very labor-intensive, it took up to two days just to dry and prepare marshmallows.

Today, people no longer use marshmallow roots to make the candy. Gelatin combined with starch is used instead to make the confectionery.

Because of mass consumption, we may no longer be able to taste the plant. But we can still see them blooming in many areas as an ornamental plant.

(All photos are via VCG and edited by Ding Qian )

About 'Plants & Nations' 

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries. 

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Plants & Nations

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