Marshmallow can be found in salty marshes, tidal zones, and other growing spaces. It grows about seven feet and it is a perennial plant. It has thick white roots. The root is usually harvested in autumn (4). This plant can grow quite tall, and should not be planted around other small plants that need large amounts of sunlight. Seeds must be chilled several weeks before planting in the spring. Once the seeds are planted in the spring there is little maintenance that the plant needs (1).

Culinary and/or Medicinal Uses

The Romans often ate the plant as a vegetable and would also use it when they had a cold. The Greeks also used the plant when they were trying to heal wounds or stop inflammation. The way that many of these cultures used the plant was by peeling the root and eating it or just chewing on it (2). Not only was the plant used for medicinal purposes but it was also used by the Egyptians to make this thick solution that was later added with honey to make syrup (3). Marshmallow is often used to treat illnesses that involve the stomach as well. Anywhere from ulcers to using it as a laxative there are records of people using the plant to heal something in the stomach(4)

Significance to Cultural Communities

Marshmallow is indigenious to Western Europe, North Africa and Asia, and has traveled all over the world. It was essential in keeping people from Syria from starving. Often poor civilians had little to eat so they relied on the marshmallow plant to help them (2). Ancient Romans would create a soup with it and it was seen as a delicacy (4). It is also said in the bible that the plant was eaten in times of famine. French chefs added sugar and egg whites to the medicinal syrup from the roots and created a sweet treat that formed the basis for marshmallows(1). Dr. Eli Suzucovich the III (Little Shell Band of Chippewa-Cree/Krajina Serb), the instructor for the Native Plants unit, shared during one of the Heritage garden sessions that even though this plant is not native to North America, the Indigenous people of this region figured out how to build a relationship with the plant and work with medicinally. (6)

First/community Voice

An interesting recipe gathered from Rosalee de la Forêt (5) for making marshmallows using marshmallow root calls for:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup rose hydrosol

  • 1/2 cup water 

  • 1 tablespoon marshmallow root powder 

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of hibiscus flowers (these make the marshmallows pink!) 

  • 1 cup honey 

  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin 

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch of salt

  • Hand mixer

  •  8×8″ pan

  •  Candy thermometer

  •  Saucepan

Directions 

  1. Boil the water and the hydrosol in a small pan. Add marshmallow root powder and the hibiscus flower and stir with a whisk. Simmer for five minutes then let it cool in the fridge. 

  2. Strain the marshmallow and hibiscus through a mesh sieve. Add enough water to equal a full cup. 

  3. Take half of the mixture and place it in a medium bowl and add gelatin to it. 

  4. Take the other half in a small saucepan and add honey, vanilla extract, and salt

  5. Simmer. Place candy thermometer in the mixture until the heat reaches 240 F, then remove from heat. 

  6.  Use the hand mixer to mix the marshmallow and gelatin mixture on low. Slowly add the hot marshmallow and honey to the mixture. 

  7. Once both mixtures are combined, whip on high for another 5 to 10 min. 

  8. Pour the combination onto a 8X8” pan lined with natural parchment paper that has been oiled. 

  9. Let sit for a few hours until they are firm 

  10. Slice with a knife 

References

1. Baessler, Liz. Marshmallow Plant Info: Growing A Marshmallow A Plant. Gardening, Know How. 1, August 2019. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/marshmallow-plant/marshmallow-plant-growing.htm

2. Mahre, Erin. Althaea Offoconalis, Marshmallow. UST Medicinal Garden. 30, July 2019.  https://ustbiologymedicinalgarden.wordpress.com/althaea-officinalis-marshmallow/

3.Pacheco, Lara. Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis). Herbrally. 30,July 2019.https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/marshmallow/

4.Apothecary, Herbal.Marshmallow. Herbal Encyclopedia. 30, July 2019.  https://www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/marshmallow/

5. De La Forêt, Rosalee. How to Make Marshmallows with Marshmallow Root. LearningHerbs. 7, August 2019. https://learningherbs.com/skills/how-to-make-marshmallows/

6. Heritage Garden Native Plants unit conversation with instructor Dr. Eli Suzucovich the III. Summer 2022.