On August 30 we celebrate National Toasted Marshmallow Day a fun and delicious celebration of one of the most popular campfire treats. Marshmallow is found all over the world and are also loved by all aged group people, in ancient Egypt made the sugary treat thousands of years ago. Also, in history, it is said that people use it for treating ailments like angina.
History of National Toasted Marshmallow Day
Did you know that National Toasted Marshmallow Day was created by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). However, this is the organization that promotes the sweets business in the USA. Also, many people think that promoting sugary food items might make for an unhealthy nation, but NCA (National Confectioners Association) aims to bring to light the benefits of choosing healthy options, which would, in turn, lead to a “balanced lifestyle” for many.
Besides this, the exact date and day when marshmallows were created has been lost to history. Along with this, ancient Egyptians made marshmallows by extracting the sap from the root of a plant called ‘Althaea officinalis.’ However, this plant is native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe, and it grows, as you may have guessed, in marshes.
Besides using these plants to make marshmallows, the plant was also employed as an ornamental decoration throughout the world.
The marshmallow-making process was extremely tedious and laborious in nature. The special final product, it is mixed with honey and nuts, was served to royalty and gods only, making it off-limits for the public. Over the centuries and years, the marshmallow went through several changes.
In the year 1800s, From being produced by French confectioners by hand to being produced using machines. Also in the year 1900s, marshmallows were being enjoyed by more and more people.
The key ingredient, which was the root of the marshmallow plant, was also replaced with gelatin/corn starch as the latter made the process easier and faster. People eat marshmallows in a variety of ways. They have it in milkshakes or with chocolate or crackers or simply toasted.
| 2000 B.C. (Ancient Egypt’s Marshmallows) | Historians record marshmallows being discovered in ancient Egypt, with the confectionery being reserved for the elite of the society. |
| 1800s (Doctors Prescribed Marshmallows) | Doctors recommend marshmallow candies as a way to treat coughing bouts, sore throats, and wounds. |
| 1927 (Girl Scouts’ S’mores Recipe) | The Girl Scouts publish history’s first recipe for s’mores in the “Girl Scout Handbook.” |
| 1948 (Marshmallow Extrusion Process Invented) | Alex Doumak invents the revolutionary marshmallow extrusion process making the creation process very efficient. |
5 Facts About Marshmallows
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Marshmallows in the U.S. in the 1900s- However, the sweet treat came to the U.S.A. in the 1900s after the new manufacturing process was introduced and popularized in the market.
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50% marshmallows toasted in summer- Half of all the marshmallows sold in the summer are toasted over a fire in the winter.
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Americans buy 90 million pounds- Marshmallows are one of the most favorite treats for Americans as they buy at least 90 million pounds of them every year.
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Present-day marshmallows from France- The marshmallows were created in France when the confectioners included egg whites and sweeteners in the traditional recipe.
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Althaiophobia- Some people are afraid of spiders, some are scared of heights, and people who are scared of marshmallows have althaiophobia.
Conclusion
National Toasted Marshmallow Day on August 30, 2024, is the perfect opportunity to get involved in this nostalgic and delicious treat.
Whether you enjoy classic toasted marshmallows, experiment with gourmet s’mores, or get creative with marshmallow-themed recipes, the day is all about celebrating the simple joy of this sweet, gooey delight. Gather friends and family, head outdoors for a campfire, or get inventive in the kitchen with unique marshmallow creations.
Along with this, share your toasted marshmallow experiences on social media and enjoy the day with fun and flavorful activities.
Celebrate National Toasted Marshmallow Day by embracing the warmth and sweetness of this beloved treat!
