# Where can I get marshmallow marshmallows? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 20, 2006, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449 "2006-06-20T17:03:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Tabula\_Rasa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a9adbd/32.png) [@Tabula\_Rasa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabula_Rasa)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/21 "2006-06-22T03:48:24Z")
> [@Bewildebeest](#): > > Soapwort _Saponaria officinalis_ is a common introduced roadside weed here., but … > > Cheeses, _Malva neglecta_, mentioned above is a common lawn weed. It’s called that because the edible fruits look like cheese wheels. They don’t taste the least bit cheesey though. > > Marsh mallow, _Althaea officinalis_ is occasionally found on swampy ground around here, but isn’t common. > > I don’t know if any of these are found in New Mexico. It would surprise me if cheeses and soapwort could be found there. Most of your finer New Mexico mucilage is going to be found in cactus plants. Prickly pear pad inards can goo up nicely. There are the pointy succulents - not aloe vera but some smaller aloes. Yucca root does an unappealing but soapy, gooey thing. Tabby ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/22 "2006-06-22T04:03:27Z")
My favorite mucilage image was from a video I watched of traditional kava kava preparation on some small Polynesian island. Now, kava kava isn’t mucilagenous. But the way they prepare it is to put chunks of the fresh kava root inside the long leaves of some succulent. The leaf is then folded tight around the kave and the whole shebang is pounded with a rock. When smooshy, the leaf is grabbed at each end (often by two people) and wrung out like a dirty sock. Gooey, drippy mucilage, carrying the wonderful soporific (mild) hallucinogen of the kava root streams down from the leaf like a three year old with a sinus infection. My teacher, who was given some to drink, said that it was like drinking egg white, only it of course made your whole mouth totally numb (cause that’s what kava does.) Interesting side note: apparently said island is only 50 miles or so across, but houses 4 distinct and once warlike tribes. They haven’t had a war in more than 200 years, because there’s an unwritten rule that when anyone gets pissed off at anyone else, they must take their dispute to the king along with a fresh kava root. The king makes kava snot for the three of them to drink together, and everyone gets so mellow on kava that they’re too friendly to stay mad at one another. The per capita kava consumption (man, woman and child) is over a cup of kava snot a day. It’s amazing there’s a single working liver on the island, really. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/23 "2006-06-22T07:53:09Z")
> [@Paul in Saudi](#): > > Has anyone followed the Yahoo link to [www.aseli.de](http://www.aseli.de)? Do they sell old-fashioned marshmallows? I have dropped these folks a note asking them the question and inviting them to answer on this thread. (Their web site points out all of their marshmallows are hand-packed and hand-spattered. This give me a nice mental image. ‘What do you do?’ ‘I’m a marshmallow splatterer.’) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/24 "2006-06-22T14:38:21Z")
Whole Foods sells old-fashioned hand-made marshmallows. Better tasting that the bagged kind, but fairly expensive. [http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/list\_picnic.html](http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/list_picnic.html) "Chocolate is a favorite no matter where you are. Make superb S’Mores using high quality chocolate bars, \*all-natural marshmallows \* and graham crackers. " ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/25 "2006-06-22T14:45:01Z")
_all-natural_ doesn’t necessarily imply, though, that they’re made to a traditional recipe using extract of marsh mallow root. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/26 "2006-06-22T14:47:13Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Whole Foods sells old-fashioned hand-made marshmallows. Better tasting that the bagged kind, but fairly expensive. > > [Recipes | Whole Foods Market](http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/list_picnic.html) > "Chocolate is a favorite no matter where you are. Make superb S’Mores using high quality chocolate bars, \*all-natural marshmallows \* and graham crackers. " They don’t contain marshmallow, though: > [@](#): > > Marshmallows — Hand Made, Hand Cut, All Natural > Irresistible, fluffy treats, square-cut by hand. Great right out of the bag, toasted over a fire, or with hot chocolate. > > ``` > Simply Vanilla > Marshmallows and hot chocolate or s'mores made with marshmallows have long been a favorite for kids and grownups alike. Distinguished by their velvety texture and subtle aroma of Madagascar vanilla, our Simply Vanilla marshmallows are perfect for these beloved treats. It's a classic, only made better. > Ingredients: > Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Rice Syrup, Water, Gelatin, Pure Vanilla Extract, Cornstarch, Pure Cane Confectioner's Sugar, Kosher Salt > > Truly Chocolate > Add the rich chocolate flavor of our organic cocoa powder to pure Madagascar vanilla, give it a boost with a unique chocolate extract from a recipe formulated over a 100 years ago, and the result is a chocolate marshmallow that is truly delicious. > Ingredients: > Naturally Milled Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Rice Syrup, Water, Organic Cocoa Powder, Gelatin, Pure Vanilla Extract, Cornstarch, Pure Cane Confectioner's Sugar, Pure Chocolate Extract, Kosher Salt > > Seasonal Flavors also available > > ``` > > Marshmallow Creme — Yummy, Fun, Treat > > ``` > Simply Vanilla > We've taken the flavor of this fluffy childhood favorite to the clouds and created an all-natural marshmallow creme with truly delicious taste and light texture. This yummy treat can be used in any recipe calling for marshmallow crème. Make fudge with it, spread it for a classic peanut butter sandwich or stir it into hot cocoa. Keeping with our company’s mission, our marshmallow creme is made with only natural and organic ingredients. > Ingredients: > Rice Syrup, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Water, Egg Whites, Malt Syrup, Pure Vanilla Extract, Xanthan Gum (corn sugar gum), Lactic Acid, Kosher Salt. > > ``` [from here](http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/tinytrapeze/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/27 "2006-06-22T15:15:04Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > My teacher, who was given some to drink, said that it was like drinking egg white, only it of course made your whole mouth totally numb (cause that’s what kava does.) First-hand experience: I had traditionally prepared kava when I was in Fiji. Texture is like thin egg white, taste is like dirt. Makes your lips and tongue numb. No other effect. Conclusion: meh. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2006, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/28 "2006-06-22T16:24:32Z")
> [@Paul in Saudi](#): > > I have dropped these folks a note asking them the question and inviting them to answer on this thread. Take it a step further and order a sample pack. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2006, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/29 "2006-06-23T03:46:54Z")
> [@adam yax](#): > > Take it a step further and order a sample pack. I note **Psyconaut** is in Germany, as is the company. Perhaps he could ask for some samples. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2006, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/30 "2006-06-23T03:50:47Z")
Opps! His OP says he is now in London, although his profile (or maybe his homepage, I forget) says Germany ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2006, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/31 "2006-06-23T03:55:11Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > All looks like a bowl of snot to me, but _Vive la Différence_ and all that… My favorite dessert is Avocado Cream Pie. During one study session back in college, one of my classmates said, “It looks like snot!” > [@](#): > > And then there’s okra (another relative of Marsh Mallow), which is also mucilaginous. OTOH, some stuff just tastes nasty! Sorry, I can’t stand okra. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/32 "2015-10-27T09:39:40Z")
Back in Germany now. No, Aseli don’t offer marshmallows made from real marshmallow plants. All their products are made of _Schaumzucker_ (“foamed sugar”). They’re somewhat similar to Russian _[zefir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zefir_%28food%29)_. ---
**Author:** ![Postariti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Postariti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Postariti)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/33 "2015-10-27T10:10:19Z")
I’m sorry that you still haven’t been able to find marshmallow marshmallows. That’s something I would also like to try. If you want to get a feel for what marshmallow root tastes like, see if you can find some herbal tea that is just the root. You’ll quickly find out why they made candy out of it, it’s really sweet. I can eat a spoonful of sugar, but I couldn’t drink the full cup of tea. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/34 "2015-10-27T10:46:00Z")
Good idea. Looks like it’s possible to buy tisanes made from [marshmallow leaves](http://www.amazon.de/Indigo-Herbs-Eibisch-Bl%C3%A4tter-Kr%C3%A4utertee/dp/B009WS38B4) and [marshmallow roots](http://www.aurica.de/produkt_info.php?pid=78). I’ll see if any of the local health food shops or pharmacies here carry it. If not I suppose I can always buy it online. ---
**Author:** ![JohnM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/848f3c/32.png) [@JohnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnM)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/35 "2015-10-27T16:14:21Z")
This [site](http://gertssnacks.com/?page_id=2) is for a candy shop that sells real marshmallows, but they’re currently closed. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/36 "2015-10-27T16:37:41Z")
> [@JohnM](#): > > This [site](http://gertssnacks.com/?page_id=2) is for a candy shop that sells real marshmallows, but they’re currently closed. Oh, I especially like this part of the site: > [@Gert's Snacks & Spices](#): > > Gert’s Marshmallow Kits will soon be available for purchase on this site … and you’ll be able to make them at home. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/37 "2015-10-27T16:48:52Z")
Just want to add that, since the gelatin used to make traditional marshmallows comes from pigs and therefore is not kosher, the store I work in (certified kosher dairy) sells marshmallows that use kosher fish gelatin. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/38 "2015-10-27T20:49:00Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > If you’re really into it, you can obtain your own plants from Marshes (it’s the _marsh_ mallow, after all) step 1: Grow a marsh. step 2: Make marshmallows. step 3: Profit! ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2015, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/39 "2015-10-27T21:55:20Z")
Wow. Here’s a blast from the past. Since responding to this thread (long ago), I did actually find some of this plant growing near me. I wrote about it [here](http://atomicshrimp.com/post/2008/07/17/Marsh-Mallow). I intended to collect some seeds and cultivate it, but I never got around to it. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449/40 "2015-10-28T12:55:25Z")
John Kallas “Edible Wild Plants” has [recipes](https://books.google.com/books?id=Q-AZur2fNUwC&pg=PA115&lpg=PA115&dq=euell+gibbons+marshmallow&source=bl&ots=yGRO1lzj3H&sig=UCeUk1xqntGyyvXn2aVzAT2d5hQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAmoVChMI3IW6s5nlyAIVSxgeCh0jSgMD#v=onepage&q=euell%20gibbons%20marshmallow&f=false) for using the common mallow - including how to make old-fashioned marshmallows. Sounds complex - but the results apparently look and taste good. Poor fools are they who profess nausea over the idea of a “mucilaginous” food, but who’ve never had okra fritters. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-marshmallow-marshmallows/361449.md?page=1)