Рослина алтей і сучасний зефір

The name of modern marshmallow candy comes from the marsh mallow plant (*Althaea officinalis*), whose root contains mucilage and has long been used in preparations for soothing throat irritation. Popular retellings say ancient Egyptians made sweets from the root, honey, and nuts, but no reliable ancient recipe for such a confection has been identified; historical accounts point instead to medicinal use. The familiar whipped marshmallow confection emerged in 19th-century France; plant mucilage was later largely replaced by gelatin.