Marshmallow 🍡🌱🌸
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) belongs to the large Malvaceae family. In fact, it is also known by the name “bismalva”, meaning “twice mallow”, due to the effectiveness of its active ingredients similar to those of mallow.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, bushy, 40-120 cm tall. It lives in damp, cool places along watercourses or ditches, up to 1200 m of altitude.
The flowers are large and showy, white or pink, 
with five heart-shaped petals. They are greatly appreciated by bees 
.
with five heart-shaped petals. They are greatly appreciated by bees .Marshmallow arrived in Europe from the Asian steppes long before the Christian era and acclimatised easily. It was cultivated throughout the Middle Ages 
and was one of the most used herbs in monastery gardens.
and was one of the most used herbs in monastery gardens.
Did you know? 
In English marshmallow is called Marsh mellow 
, like the famous gummy treats on the market. In fact, marshmallows were originally produced using marshmallow root. It seems that the first recipe dates back to the time of the pharaohs!
, like the famous gummy treats on the market. In fact, marshmallows were originally produced using marshmallow root. It seems that the first recipe dates back to the time of the pharaohs!Photo by Couleur – Pixabay
