Food mythology attributes the invention of marshmallows to the ancient Egyptians, but the word was first used to describe a sweetmeat in the nineteenth century.
Back then they were prepared using an extract from wild marshmallow plants but today, their spongy texture most often comes from gelatine.
The basic ingredients of marshmallow are sugar, syrup and flavouring, which can included chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, or, in the case of celebrated chef Pierre Gagnaire, additions such as rose or rosemary.
These are whipped with gelatin and starch, then baked, cut up, and rolled in fine dusting of icing sugar and cornflour.
Marshmallows feature in the game ʺ Chubby Bunnyʺ where children fill their mouths with them and try pronounce a difficult sentence.
This pastime is not as harmless as it sounds, and at least two victims are known to have choked to death.
Taken from 1001 Foods you must try before you die – A global guide to the best ingredients.