This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Today I want to share with you a story that takes us back to ancient times when sweets were something magical and special. It will be about a favorite treat of many - marshmallow. But not just any marshmallow, but the one that is called "marshmallow" in the West. How did it happen that these soft, delicate treats got their name? Let's figure it out together.
Imagine that we are transported to ancient Egypt. It is there, about 2000 years ago, that our story begins. In those times, on the banks of the Nile, a special type of plant grew - marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). This plant was sacred to the Egyptians and had many beneficial properties. Its root was used to treat various ailments, as well as to prepare sweets that were considered a gift to the gods.
The root of the marshmallow was a key ingredient in creating the original "marshmallow." It contained natural mucilage that helped create something akin to modern jelly. Egyptian priests mixed the juice of the marshmallow root with honey and other ingredients, obtaining a delicate, sweet mass that was consumed on festive days.
But how did marshmallow from Egypt end up on our tables? Centuries passed, and the secret of making these treats spread all over the world. In medieval Europe, marshmallow was also used to make medicinal lozenges and sweets. However, as culinary art evolved, the recipes changed, and marshmallow began to take on a modern appearance.
In the 19th century, in France, egg whites and sugar began to be used instead of marshmallow root, allowing for the creation of lighter and airier treats. During this period, French confectioners began to experiment with the shape and flavor of marshmallow, creating various variations.
And now the most interesting part - where did the name "marshmallow" come from? It's simple. The English word "marshmallow" literally translates to "marsh mallow." The marshmallow plant grew in marshy areas (marsh), and "mallow" comes from the Latin name of the plant. Thus, the name of the marshmallow is directly related to the plant from which it was once made.
Now we can enjoy marshmallows in various forms: roasted over a fire while camping, added to hot chocolate, or simply as a sweet treat. But every time we taste this delicacy, it's worth remembering its ancient roots and how from a small marsh plant it became a beloved sweet for many generations.
So it turns out that even seemingly ordinary things, like marshmallows, have their unique history that makes them even sweeter in taste.
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