# Marshmallow: No root word -- Huh? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 22, 1999, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556 "1999-12-22T03:06:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ChiefScott](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58f4c7/32.png) [@ChiefScott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChiefScott)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/1 "1999-12-22T03:06:00Z")
Where in the Hell did the word for this confection come from? I’ve never heard of a James T. Marshmallow: Confectioner to the King. And nary has a “mallow” been “marshed” to ever make this candy. And is it truly a candy? And “Fluff” is really “non-fluffed” marshmallow. What’s up with that? ::Realizing he’s already hit the submit button after a “Seinfeld-ic troll” rant, ChiefScott hopes someone knows the origin of the word ‘marshmallow’:: ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/2 "1999-12-22T03:09:00Z")
The confection was originally made from the roots of a mallow plant. The specific variety grows in marshes. Any other questions? ---
**Author:** ![Arken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@Arken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arken)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/3 "1999-12-22T03:18:00Z")
Yeah. I have a question. How on earth do they make marshmallows? I’ve never seen a recipe for them in a cookbook so they can’t be too easy… ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/4 "1999-12-22T03:20:00Z")
Bullshit, DrFidelius. Now if you’re right, I lose 10 points. 🙂 Peace, mangeorge * * * Work like you don’t need the money… Love like you’ve never been hurt… Dance like nobody’s watching! …(Paraphrased) ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/5 "1999-12-22T03:23:00Z")
## Yeah. I have a question. How on earth do they make marshmallows? I’ve never seen a recipe for them in a cookbook so they can’t be too easy… —Arken So, you really don’t watch Martha Stewart? Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_Next\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@Girl\_Next\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_Next_Door)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/6 "1999-12-22T03:38:00Z")
The “old” version of “The Joy of Cooking” has a recipe for marshmallows. Maybe I’ll print it here if you beg me. * * * Leslie Irish Evans [http://leslie.scrappy.net](http://leslie.scrappy.net) ---
**Author:** ![Jois](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea666f/32.png) [@Jois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jois)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/7 "1999-12-22T03:47:00Z")
Periot grew mallows in retirement. I can’t quite picture him with his pants rolled up walking around in a marsh… * * * Oh, I’m gonna keep using these #%@&\* codes 'til I get 'em right. ---
**Author:** ![Jois](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea666f/32.png) [@Jois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jois)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/8 "1999-12-22T03:50:00Z")
Was his name listed after the recipe in “Joy of Cooking?” Please print it! * * * Oh, I’m gonna keep using these #%@&\* codes 'til I get 'em right. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/9 "1999-12-22T04:04:00Z")
From the Britannica: **marshmallow** aerated candy that originated as a versatile medicinal syrup and ointment; it was made from root sap of the marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis), sugar, and egg white. The modern marshmallow candy is made from corn syrup, dextrose, gelatine, and egg albumen. A mixture of these ingredients is heated to around 240º F (115º C), whipped to twice or three times its original volume, and flavoured. Finished marshmallow ranges in consistency from chewy to semi-liquid. The firmer candy is shaped into the traditional bite-sized “pillows” dusted with rice flour or powdered sugar before packaging; these are sometimes used as a garnish in cooking and are popularly toasted on sticks over open fires. More elastic marshmallow is often coated with chocolate. The softest marshmallow is used as a base for icings, fudges, and puddings, and as a topping for ice cream. ## The **Joy of Cooking** ingredients are: 3 T gelatin (“gelatin of 250 bloom” from a professional outlet) 1/2 C cold water 2 C sugar then 3/4 C light corn sirup (their spelling) 1/2 C water 1/4 t salt 2 T vanilla Tom~ ---
**Author:** ![Jois](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea666f/32.png) [@Jois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jois)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/10 "1999-12-22T04:19:00Z")
Well, maybe, but would Peroit lie? Fib? Carry small tales? Ever heard of the BBC spaghetti tree? Dancing maidens in festive Italian dresses, picking strand after strand off of trees? ## I haven’t seen it for years but it looked so real! Oh, I’m gonna keep using these #%@&\* codes 'til I get 'em right. ---
**Author:** ![Jois](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ea666f/32.png) [@Jois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jois)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/11 "1999-12-22T04:26:00Z")
BTW: MM Cream is for cooking MM Fluff is for sandwiches with peanutbutter. The problem is you can usually buy the MM Cream anywhere but MM Fluff isn’t sold everywhere across the USA. I used to have it mailed to me; I think, I hope, I’ve outgrown that now. * * * Oh, I’m gonna keep using these #%@&\* codes 'til I get 'em right. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/12 "1999-12-22T12:53:00Z")
From [urlhttp://www.dynagel.com/hist\_marsh.html > [@](#): > > The History of Marshmallow > Marshmallow, just as gelatin, can be traced back to ancient Egypt. This confection was originally honey, flavored with the extract from the root of the marsh mallow (Athaea officinalis). This mallow flavored candy was not for the masses, but was reserved for the gods and royalty. > In the early to mid nineteenth century, the modern marshmallow was developed in France and Germany. Using the “cast and mold” process, confectioners whipped, sweetened, and molded the gummy sap of the mallow root into a light and fluffy piece. > > Later in the century, the invention of the starch mogul speeded the manufacture of marshmallow. This development toward mass production led to gelatin replacing the mallow root extract as the form-building whipping agent. The starch mogul underwent continuous improvements and helped make marshmallow a popular confection. By 1955, between 25 and 35 companies produced marshmallows using the mogul. > > The manufacture of marshmallow underwent a revolution in 1954. Alex Doumakes, son of a Greek immigrant candy maker, invented and patented the “extrusion process”. This method was so superior to the old process that it came to dominate the marshmallow industry. By 1990, only three companies produced all of the marshmallow in the USA, down from the more than 30 in the 1950’s. Exceptions are the specialty marshmallows deposited on biscuits for marshmallow pies and the grain marshmallow popular as circus peanuts. In 1995, Kraft Foods sold their marshmallow operation to Favorite Brands. Kidd & Co. was purchased by Favorite Brands in 1996. International Home Foods has built a plant to produce under their Campfire® brand in the past few years, bringing the total marshmallow producers back to three. Now THAT’S damn useless information. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/13 "1999-12-22T12:58:00Z")
Yes, Dr Fid, isn’t that mostly what encyclopedias are fore? Anyway, it confirms your “mallow plant that grows in marshes” statement. Mangeorge, you’re down ten points. ---
**Author:** ![Atrael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Atrael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atrael)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/14 "1999-12-22T15:29:00Z")
I agree Dr. Fid…I thought your first answere was bs…I humbly appologize…I am once again, very impressed my your knowledge… ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/15 "1999-12-22T16:03:00Z")
You all actually made me find a reference to back up my statement. I hope you realize that I don’t normally do such a thing. I did that as a courtesy for **ChiefScott** , for whom I have the utmost respect. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 1999, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/16 "1999-12-22T17:47:00Z")
Mallow: from the ME _malwe_, from OE _mealwe_, from L _malva_. Meaning - any of a genus (Malva, family Malvaceae) of herbs with palmately lobed or dissected leaves, showy flowers and a fruit in the shape of a disc. Isn’t a dictionary fun? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![cher3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@cher3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cher3)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 1999, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/17 "1999-12-23T06:01:00Z")
Poirot grew vegetable marrows, not mallows. As far as I’ve been able to gather, vegetable marrows are big, tough, tasteless squashes. Given Poirot’s usual fastidiousness about food and wine, I always wondered why he chose that particular hobby. Maybe it was Christie’s joke, referring to Sherlock Holmes’s hobby of keeping bees after his retirement. ---
**Author:** ![dlv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dlv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dlv)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 1999, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/18 "1999-12-23T06:06:00Z")
It sounds to me like, with the original plant extract gone, the modern marshmallow is no different from a merengue, except for the moisture. It’s just beat up egg white and sugar. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 1999, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/19 "1999-12-23T06:35:00Z")
My recollection is that “vegetable marrows” are British English for what Americans would call “eggplants.” ---
**Author:** ![torq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@torq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/torq)\ **Post date:** [December 23, 1999, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556/20 "1999-12-23T06:45:00Z")
So what does “mallow root extract” taste like? (I know, I know, “chicken”.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marshmallow-no-root-word-huh/5556.md?page=2)