Uses of Marshmallows

Marshmallows plant usually grows in damp, wet areas such as meadows and marshes. While the plant is native to regions of Europe, it can also be found in the United States as well as the moist patches of the world. Marshmallow is a known name in the medicinal world, as it is associated with manifold uses. The root and leaves of the plant are used medicinally for various treatments. The plant has been used for curing diseases since olden times. For instance, marshmallow plants are used to relieve coughs, sore throats as well as chapped skin and minor wounds. As a candy, marshmallows were first created during the late 19^th century. The stem of the marshmallow plant contains a soft and spongy essence that becomes soft when boiled in sugar syrup. Marshmallows turn into a chewy base when combined with ingredients such as gelatin, egg whites and corn starch. These are now commercially available in markets in small cylindrical shapes and in a variety of flavors. Marshmallows are known for its many other uses as well. Let’s know more about the uses & benefits of marshmallows.

Different Uses of Marshmallows

Add a few marshmallows to the bag of brown sugar before closing it. The will add moisture to it, keeping the sugar soft for weeks.
Place a large marshmallow in the bottom of a cone before adding ice cream. This will prevent the ice cream from dripping.
Marshmallow is used to thicken and stabilize foods and also provides flavor to beverages and foods.
Marshmallow is deemed good for irritated skin. Shredded or powdered marshmallow root is mixed with warm water to form a thick paste. It is then spread onto a soft, clean cloth. The resulting poultice may be heated or simply applied to irritated skin.
Marshmallow acts as a soothing anti-inflammatory agent and is used to heal irritated respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. As a medicine, marshmallows are very effective to treat sore and inflamed throats and coughs. The juice of the marshmallow shrub is gel-like and it soothes the esophagus and stomach, making it a cure for heartburns, ulcers and acid refluxes, diarrhea and constipation. Other problems such as urinary tract inflammation and the development of stones in urinary tract can also be effectively treated my marshmallows.
One of the wide uses for marshmallow is in ‘drawing cream,’ because when a paste of marshmallow and slippery elm is applied to a splinter, thorn, or even a bee stinger, the cream miraculously draws out the offending item and speeds the wound’s healing.
The leaves and roots of marshmallow are of medicinal importance. They are dried to preserve them for later use.
In the olden times, leaves and roots of marshmallow were ground and poulticed to a wound.
Marshmallows can be used as perfect edible glues. The gelatin and sugar present in the marshmallows can also form a strong bond with sweets such as sugar ribbons, candy canes, caramel nests and so on. Like a culinary duct tape, molten marshmallows can hold cake parts together. This sweet glue can fix cracks in cakes and helps in bonding cake tiers together. Marshmallows are a baker’s dream tool.
Marshmallows can also be used to hold a candle. Stick a candle in a marshmallow and then place it on the cake. This way, when the candle melts, the wax will not trickle down the cake and you can enjoy the cake without picking out wax!
You can use marshmallows during pedicures as well. Instead of using cotton balls or sponges foam toe separators, place marshmallows between your toes while polishing your nails. So whenever you run out of cotton balls or toe sponges, use marshmallows to keep your toes apart.
Marshmallows can also be used as a tasty frosting for cupcakes.
As a culinary delight, marshmallows are added in various dishes. Marshmallows are added in various salads, rice treats, candies, fudges, cookies, pies, popcorn snacks, potato casseroles, fondues and various other desserts. Hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows, is very delicious in particular.
Roasting marshmallows over a campfire is one of the many camping trips traditions. Candied yams with toasted marshmallows are served during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Marshmallows are popular spongy confections prepared from granulated sugar, egg whites, corn syrup, vanilla and gelatin. These are very delicious to eat and apart from their use in culinary dishes and baking, there are many other creative ways of using marshmallows.

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