National Toasted Marshmallow Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Marshmallow

National Toasted Marshmallow Day, celebrated on August 30, is one of the most anticipated culinary holidays each year. Not only does it allow us to enjoy a sweet treat such as toasted marshmallows over a fire, but it is also one of the last occasions people will be able to enjoy summer. Believe it or not, marshmallows have existed for quite some time. In fact, the ancient Egyptians created the sweet confection thousands of years ago. People have also used it historically to alleviate ailments such as angina. This is a rather peculiar occurrence that is not commonly reported. Let us take you on a journey of how this beloved treat came to be and how to celebrate the holiday in all its splendour.

The background of National Toasted Marshmallow Day

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) established National Toasted Marshmallow Day. The organisation advocates the U.S. confectionery industry. One might assume that promoting sugary food items would result in a nation that is unhealthy, but NCA seeks to highlight the benefits of selecting healthy options, which would lead to a “balanced lifestyle” for many. A further objective of the NCA is to advocate for improved communication frameworks, industry insights, and regulatory business laws. All of these factors would aid the growth and sustainability of American confectionery companies in both the domestic and international markets. The confectionery industry alone generates approximately 54,000 jobs in more than 1,300 factories.

The precise date at which marshmallows were invented has been lost to history, but many scholars believe that the sweet treat originated in ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians produced marshmallows by extracting the fluid from the root of a plant known as ‘Althaea officinalis.’ As you may have surmised, this plant is native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe, and it grows in marshes. In addition to being used to create marshmallows, the plant was also widely used as an ornamental decoration. Regarding the confection, the procedure of making marshmallows was extremely laborious and time-consuming. The final product, a mixture of honey and nuts, was served exclusively to royalty and gods, rendering it off-limits to the general public. Marshmallows have undergone numerous modifications over the centuries. From being hand-made by French confectioners in the 1800s to being manufactured by machinery in the 1900s, marshmallows became increasingly popular. The essential ingredient, which was the marshmallow plant’s root, was also replaced with gelatin/corn starch, as the latter made the process simpler and quicker. People consume marshmallows in numerous methods. It is consumed in milkshakes, with chocolate, crackers, or simply toasted.

5 MARSHMALLOW FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

The confection arrived in the United States in the early 20th century after a new manufacturing process was introduced and popularised on the market.

In the summer, half of all marshmallows sold are roasted over an open fire.

Americans purchase at least 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually, making them one of the most popular desserts.

Marshmallows as we know them today were created in France when confectioners added egg whites and sugar to the original recipe.

Some individuals are wary of spiders, others of heights, and those who fear marshmallows have althaiophobia.

NATIONAL TOASTED MARSHMALLOW DAY DATES