From a medicinal ingredient to a popular confection, the history of marshmallows is quite fascinating & actually spans centuries! In ancient Egypt the mallow plant (*Althaea officinalis*) was used medicinally. The plant’s root was valued for its soothing properties, & was often boiled with honey, used in syrups and candies for its medicinal benefits. In 19th Century France, the modern marshmallow started to take shape. French confectioners began using the mallow root extract to create a soft, spongy candy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American confectioners began to develop a version of marshmallows using gelatin instead of mallow root extract. The first commercially produced marshmallows in the U.S. were introduced by the Angelus Marshmallow Company in 1917. After World War II, marshmallows gained widespread popularity & became a staple ingredient in treats. From baked goods to hot beverages, marshmallows are enjoyed in a variety of forms.