Marshmallow, also known as mallow root and Schloss tea, is an herb found
throughout western Europe, the Middle East and the eastern US.
The roots of the
plant have long been harvested as a vegetable and were well known to the ancient
Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. Although the Egyptians first produced a sweet
treat from the roots, the confection we know as "marshmallow" today no longer
contains any botanical materials. However, an extract made from marshmallow root
is still popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, most notably as an ingredient in a
traditional food called halva, which contains a varied combination of tahini,
clarified butter, sugar, seeds, nuts and vegetables.
