Common marshmallow (also written as marsh mallow) is a flowering plant
that produces flat, disc-shaped fruits commonly referred to as
"cheeses." The foliage of the plant dies back in the fall, but the
fibrous roots are perennial.
Marshmallow has a long history of use as a culinary and medicinal plant
that spans more than 2,000 years. The ancient Romans considered
marshmallow to be a delicacy, and had a preference for eating the
roasted roots of the plant as a vegetable. In Syria and in other parts
of the world periodically affected by famine, marshmallow is an abundant
and life-saving alternative when traditional crops fail. Because
inhabitants may have to survive on plant sources for food for weeks at a
time, marshmallow roots, par-boiled and then pan-fried in butter with
onions, is common fare at such times.
