National Toasted Marshmallow Day

Two smiling children roasting marshmallows over a campfire, wearing cozy sweaters, surrounded by autumn foliage.. — National toasted marshmallow day illustration

Today we're turning the heat up, roasting our words golden brown over a fiery prose and melting your hearts with a squishy center, just like that campfire favorite- the toasted marshmallow! Yes, we've got the treat that's the star of our tales today- the delightfully toasty National Toasted Marshmallow Day. We promise our kernels are as golden brown and gooey as the marshmallows themselves!

When is Toasted Marshmallow Day?

It's national toasted marshmallow day on the 30th August.

History of the Golden Delight

The history of National Toasted Marshmallow Day is as fluffy, light, and sweet as the treat itself. Though the origins of this national day are unclear, it doesn't stop marshmallow enthusiasts from toasting to the day, every year on August 30th. While we may not have a firm date on its inception, we can trace the lineage of this marshmallow madness back to ancient Egypt, where marshmallows were a treat fit for the gods!

Toasted to Perfection

Every year, we see mentions and toasting tributes across our much-beloved internet, with the notable high of 2248 mentions on August 30, 2015. This just goes to show you that the enchantment of a perfectly toasted marshmallow never truly fades. Regardless of whether you’re a ‘lightly browned’ or a ‘burnt to a crisp’ kind of person, there’s no denying the allure of this melty, gooey, insanely addictive treat.

Gather Around the Fire

With just the right crunch on the outside and the gooey warmth on the inside, a toasted marshmallow is a perfect accompaniment to camping trips, bonfires or, well... Tuesdays. National Toasted Marshmallow Day gives us another reason to gather our loved ones around the fire, tell ghost stories and create velvety memories all year round. No matter how you toast it, let's raise our marshmallow sticks to this delectable day.

History behind the term 'Toasted Marshmallow'

1892

The Invention of Marshmallows

The journey of toasted marshmallows begins in 1892, with the invention of marshmallows. Ancient Egyptians were first to make a version of marshmallows using the sap from the marshmallow plant mixed with honey to create a sweet treat. However, the modern marshmallow we know today was developed in France in the 1800s. Originally, marshmallow was made by extracting sap from the root of the marshmallow plant and mixing it with egg whites and sugar.

1927

Commercial Production of Marshmallows

In 1927, the commercial production of marshmallows was revolutionized by the introduction of the extrusion process. This process involved pushing marshmallow mixture through tubes, allowing for mass production and shaping of marshmallows into various forms. The new manufacturing technique made marshmallows more readily available, and their popularity skyrocketed.

1920s

Roasting Marshmallows on a Stick

During the 1920s, camping and outdoor activities gained popularity, leading to the invention of roasting marshmallows on a stick. People realized that holding a marshmallow over an open flame would result in a warm, gooey center and a crispy, golden exterior. This led to the advent of social gatherings around campfires or backyard barbecues, where friends and families would roast marshmallows together.

1927

The Introduction of Graham Crackers

In 1927, the National Biscuit Company (now known as Nabisco) introduced Graham crackers to the market. These crackers were named after Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century reformer who believed in a diet based on whole wheat and advocated for the consumption of unsweetened crackers. Graham crackers gained popularity as a wholesome and nutritious snack that could be paired with other ingredients.

1927

The Birth of S'mores

Combining the elements of roasted marshmallows and Graham crackers, the iconic s'mores was born. The origin of the term 's'mores' is attributed to campers during the 1920s, who named the treat 'some more' because it was so delicious they always wanted another. Typically, a s'more consists of a toasted marshmallow sandwiched between two pieces of Graham cracker, with a layer of chocolate in the middle. It quickly became a beloved campfire treat and remains a favorite to this day.

20th Century

Toasting Marshmallows to Perfection

Throughout the 20th century, people perfected the art of toasting marshmallows to achieve the ideal combination of melting the marshmallow's interior while creating a crisp, caramelized exterior. From slow roasting to rapid flames, various techniques and personal preferences arose, ensuring that each person could customize their toasted marshmallow experience.

Did you know?

Did you know the marshmallow plant, Althaea officinalis is a plant that grows in wet, marshy areas (hence, marsh mallow!) and was originally used by the ancient Egyptians, with honey, for a sweet and delectable treat? Talk about a 'long, sticky history'!