From the supermarket shelf to gourmet marshmallows: How the humble marshmallow has evolved over time

It's hard to imagine a world without marshmallows. The fluffy, sweet treat has been a staple of childhood for generations. But where did marshmallows come from? Surprisingly, the answer can be traced back to Ancient Egypt. Today, it is an omnipresent item in the confectionary aisle at your local supermarket. However, thanks to gourmet marshmallow makers, the humble marshmallow is once again being elevated to gourmet status.

But more on that later. Let's look back at the fascinating history of this fluffy delicacy.

Ancient times

The ancient Egyptians mixed the sap of the mallow plant, which grew in abundance in the marshes (hence the name marsh-mellow) with honey to create a delicacy that was enjoyed by Pharaohs and nobility. 

The Greeks and Romans believed that the mallow plant had medicinal properties and that brewed mixtures of its sap could cure sore throats and pains. In fact, the sugar mixture was found among Hippocrates' medical treatments.

Middle Ages

Used as a treatment for common ailments ranging from toothaches to sore throats to indigestion, marshmallows were even believed to have aphrodisiac-type properties at this time!

Mid-1800s

The French, well known for their culinary prowess, were the ones responsible for transforming the marshmallow from a medicinal concoction into the gourmet treat we know and love today. In the mid-nineteenth century, French merchants learned that whipping marshmallow sap with egg whites and corn syrup produced a light, easily moldable material. This new marshmallow was lighter and fluffier than its predecessor, and it quickly became a popular treat among adults.

Late 1800s century

The late 1800s were a time of great change. New inventions and industrial processes were transforming the way that people lived and worked. One such innovation was the starch mogul machine, which revolutionized the marshmallow industry. Rather than having to make marshmallows by hand, the new invention let candy makers create marshmallows using molds. This process is still very much in use by confectioners today. Around this time, mallow sap was replaced by gelatin. This innovation changed the marshmallow industry forever and helped to make marshmallows the popular sweet that they are today.

The 1950s

The era of mass production finally caught up with marshmallows in the 1950s.In 1954, Bob Born of the Just Born candy company came up with a way to mass-produce marshmallow chicks, which he called Peeps. Just Born soon became the largest marshmallow candy manufacturer in the world, producing millions of Peeps every year.

Present day

 

In recent years, gourmet marshmallow makers have been popping up all over the world, bringing the humble marshmallow back to its gourmet roots. These new-wave confectioners are using quality ingredients and innovative flavours to create gourmet marshmallows that are worthy of a spot on any dessert table.

Many degrees separated from the mass-produced marshmallow you will find stuffed into a plastic bag and stacked on a supermarket shelf, gourmet marshmallows are a thing of beauty. Perfectly proportioned and with a unique flavor profile, they are hand-poured and hand-packaged with the utmost care.

From an haute cuisine corporate gift to a delectable party favor, gourmet marshmallows are the perfect way to show your discerning taste.

Move over macarons, there's a new gourmet treat in town

No longer are marshmallows relegated to the bottom of the dessert pecking order. These days, luxury gourmet marshmallows are all the rage, and for good reason. These new artisanal desserts are not only delicious but also beautiful to behold.

We can imagine a time when gourmet marshmallows will be as ubiquitous as cupcakes are today. No longer an afterthought; in the hands of a gourmet marshmallow maker, they're the star of the show.

At Cloud Theory, we are proud to be at the forefront of this gourmet marshmallow revolution. Our gourmet marshmallows are handmade in small batches using only the finest ingredients. We also offer a wide variety of gourmet flavors, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for your taste. We also cater to custom requests, so why not check out our website today and see what we can create for you?