I've recently discovered a fantastic treat here in Scotland . . . the Tunnock's Tea Cake. The beautiful thing about the Tunnock's Tea Cake is that the Mallow center is made form egg whites --rather than gelatin-- and have the consistency of shaving cream. (source)
Eating these delightful treats at tea time has gotten me thinking though . . . what in the hell is a Marshmallow?!
Usually, we associate the marshmallow with S'mores, Thanksgiving Sweetpotatoes and little boys named Augustus Gloop.
Apparently though, a Marsh Mallow is a plant which grows in European marshes. Who knew? The Marshmallow is a confection traditionally made (since the late 19th century) from the sap extracted from the Marsh Mallow root.
A dish of Marsh Mallows (the plant that is) was a delicacy to the Romans and its healing properties is noted throughout history.
Unfortuanately, after WW2, the process for making the Marshmallow was patented (1948) thus the all too familiar cylinder shape and dusty coating. . . forever the memory of the versatile and healing Marsh Mallow was lost in the hustle of a Robot Age.
Oh, the marvels and simple enchantments lost to history begging for us to recover their treasures . . .