Out
On A Limb / August 2006
S’more Marsh Mallows
Many plants of the mallow family are safe to eat and have long bee used for medicinal purposes. Worldwide, there are at least 85 genera and 1500 species, with 27 genera in North America. Hollyhock, hibiscus, and cotton are all members of this remarkable family.
Marshmallow was originally derived from a type of hollyhock. Some other members of the family can be used as marshmallow substitutes. The plants contain natural gums called mucilage, pectin, and asparagin, which gives them a slimy texture when crushed. The natural gums create the marshmallow effect. Ground up root or seeds are covered with water and boiled until half the liquid is gone. Then the liquid is beaten to a froth and sugar is added. The final product resembles whipped cream.
Medicinally, the mucilaginous quality of the Mallows may be used just like the unrelated Aloe vera or cactus: externally as an emollient for soothing sunburns and other inflamed skin
But the very first stirrings for the campfire favorite began in Europe where inhabitants would collect a certain plant from marshy areas. The roots of the plant could be boiled to produce a white sticky substance. Even though it was discovered to have no medical properties, it satisfied the sweet tooth of children.
When the immigrants came to America, they brought the plant with them. Since this plant grew in the marsh and was a member of the mallow group, it received the name of marsh mallow. Even though these sticky masses of sugar are no longer derived from the marsh mallow plant, the name has stayed to serve as a reminder of this gift from the marsh.
And although Mallow family plants, flowers and seeds are mostly edible, as salad greens and potherbs, they aren’t commonly used, probably due to their slimy consistency. Okra, another mallow family member that shares the slimy family trait, is the edible fruit of a variety of hibiscus. Cotton is the only member of the family with documented poisonous properties, and although kids sometimes end up ‘wearing’ marshmallows, no one ever found it much fun to roast cotton bolls over the fire.
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