Marshmallow health facts

Marshmallows are, without a doubt, a candy favorite. Sure, by themselves they may not be as decadent as your favorite chocolate bar, but it’s a safe bet that these simple, fluffy treats hold a special place many hearts. Marshmallows top off candied yams in the fall and the perfect mug of hot chocolate in the winter. The emergence of Peeps on store shelves marks the beginning of spring. Roasting marshmallows over an open fire is a summertime family tradition. Marshmallows form the delicious “glue” that turns cereal into Rice Crispy treats, and the ingredient that makes everyone want more “smores.” Which child doesn’t light up when he finds a peanut butter and Fluff sandwich in his lunchbox? The pillow-like candies come in many different shapes, sizes and colors- even in different flavors. Most marshmallows found in stores today use gelatin, rather than the traditional powdered marshmallow root, but the name sticks in spite of this. The use of marshmallow plant in candy dates as far back as ancient Egypt, in recipes that call for combination of the plant’s sap with ingredients such as nuts and sweeteners. Much later, in early 19th century France, confectioners began to whip and sweeten the sap, which resulted in a treat much like today’s marshmallow. The later 19th century French invention of a premade, gelatinous base was an important breakthrough for these confectioners, and through marshmallow candy in general. This base allowed the confectioners to bypass the tedious process of marshmallow plant extraction. Confectioners were able to produce marshmallows more quickly and efficiently to meet growing consumer demand. Marshmallows (1 regular) Calories 25 Fat 0 g Saturated Fat 0 g Carbohydrates 6 g Cholesterol 0 mg Protein 0 g Dietary Fiber 0 g