National Toasted Marshmallow Day on August 30 is one of the most anticipated food holidays many look forward to every year. It not only allows us to enjoy a sweet treat like toasted marshmallows over a fire, but it also marks one of the last times people will be enjoying summer. Marshmallows, believe it or not, have been around for quite a while. In fact, ancient Egypt made the sugary treat thousands of years ago. History has also recorded people using it for treating ailments like angina. Now that’s something rather bizarre you don’t hear about every day. Let us take you on a journey of how this beloved treat came into being and how you can celebrate the day in all its glory.
History of National Toasted Marshmallow Day
The National Toasted Marshmallow Day was created by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). The organization promotes the sweets businesses in the U.S.A. One may think that promoting sugary food items might make for an unhealthy nation, but NCA aims to bring to light the benefits of choosing healthy options, which would, in turn, lead to a “balanced lifestyle” for many. Another of NCA’s goals includes lobbying for better communication frameworks, industrial insights, and regulatory business laws. All these factors would help candy businesses in America to grow and remain maintained in both the local and global market spheres. The candy business alone creates some 54,000 job opportunities in over 1,3000 factories in the country.
The exact date of when marshmallows were created has been lost to history, but many scholars cite ancient Egypt as somewhat of a starting point for the sweet treat. Ancient Egyptians made marshmallows by extracting the sap from the root of a plant called ‘Althaea officinalis.’ This plant is native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe, and it grows, as you may have guessed, in marshes. Apart from being used to make marshmallows, the plant was also employed as an ornamental decoration throughout the world. Coming back to the sweet treat, the marshmallow-making process was extremely tedious and laborious in nature. The special final product, mixed with honey and nuts, was served to royalty and gods only, making it off-limits for the public. Over the centuries, the marshmallow went through several changes. From being produced by French confectioners by hand in the 1800s to being produced using machines in the 1900s, marshmallows were being enjoyed by more and more people. The key ingredient, which was the root of the marshmallow plant, was also replaced with gelatin/corn starch as the latter made the process easier and faster. People eat marshmallows in a variety of ways. They have it in milkshakes or with chocolate or crackers or simply toasted.
National Toasted Marshmallow Day timeline
Historians record marshmallows being discovered in ancient Egypt, with the confectionery being reserved for the elite of the society.
Doctors recommend marshmallow candies as a way to treat coughing bouts, sore throats, and wounds.
The Girl Scouts publish history’s first recipe for s’mores in the “Girl Scout Handbook.”
Alex Doumak invents the revolutionary marshmallow extrusion process making the creation process very efficient.
National Toasted Marshmallow Day FAQs
Why is the National Toasted Marshmallow Day celebrated?
Let us ask you a question in return that would answer the above: Who wouldn’t want to celebrate the toasty, smokey, and gooey marshmallows?
What does toasted marshmallow mean?
A toasted marshmallow is a marshmallow roasted/toasted over open heat. This makes the sugar caramelize on the outer layer, making the insides go soft and slightly runny.
What is it called when you toast marshmallows?
A toasted marshmallow with chocolate and crackers would be called a s’more. S’mores are usually enjoyed in America and Canada.
How To Celebrate National Toasted Marshmallow Day
Toast marshmallows
If you are not going to toast marshmallows on the National Toasted Marshmallow Day, when are you going to do it? Just do the deed and join in on the celebrations with everyone else.
Pick new flavors
Yes, old is gold, but take this day as the perfect chance to try other flavors. In the olden days, marshmallows were made in one flavor, but the wonders of the twenty-first century have us spoiled for choice with all the marshmallow options available to us.
Make marshmallows
Okay, hear us out. We know that making marshmallows can be a daunting process, especially given the sticky and somewhat laborious process. But years of recipe development mean that the process has become much easier and efficient to follow, even for the layman. So, don’t back away from this opportunity, and try your hands at making some homemade marshmallows.
5 Facts About Marshmallows That Will Blow Your Mind
Marshmallows in the U.S. in the 1900s
The sweet treat came to the U.S.A. in the 1900s after the new manufacturing process was introduced and popularized in the market.
50% marshmallows toasted in summer
Half of all the marshmallows sold in the summer are toasted over a fire.
Americans buy 90 million pounds
Marshmallows are one of the most favorite treats for Americans as they buy at least 90 million pounds of them every year.
Present-day marshmallows from France
The marshmallows that you enjoy today were created in France when the confectioners included egg whites and sweeteners in the traditional recipe.
Althaiophobia
Some people are afraid of spiders, some are scared of heights, and people who are scared of marshmallows have althaiophobia.
Why We Love National Toasted Marshmallow Day
It’s a celebration of marshmallows
Marshmallows have come a long way. They have been used to satisfy sweet cravings, and at the same time, they have been used to treat ailments related to a sore throat. Marshmallows, after going through several manufacturing processes over the years, can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you like it toasted, plain, or with chocolate and/or other things, it would be great in all cases.
It’s a celebration of all seasons
Marshmallow consumption may grow around summer or winter, nevertheless, it is still eaten all year round. You can get really creative with how you like to have it. Throw some plain or toasted marshmallows into your milkshake, hot chocolate, or pancake mixture. Or yet, you can choose to have it on pizza with some chocolate drizzle. The choices are endless for all seasons.
It’s a celebration of fireplaces
Fireplaces are a great way to bond with others. People are telling stories, sharing gossip, or just enjoying the warmth and the atmosphere in general. Marshmallows are one treat that is a must for every hangout by a fireplace, be it indoors or outdoors.
National Toasted Marshmallow Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 30 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 30 | Saturday |
| 2026 | August 30 | Sunday |
| 2027 | August 30 | Monday |
| 2028 | August 30 | Wednesday |
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