Nothing conjures up memories of campfires and good times outdoors more than marshmallows toasted over an open fire. Now there’s a holiday that celebrates everything that toasted marshmallows represent. This holiday is observed on August 30th annually and is aptly named National Toasted Marshmallow Day. Sounds like the perfect day to grab a bag of marshmallows and toast them with friends and family, doesn’t it?

The History Of National Toasted Marshmallow Day

We’re currently unsure exactly when National Toasted Marshmallow Day became a holiday. We do know that it was started sometime before August 30, 2020, by the National Confectioners Association. We also know that it’s not an official holiday—meaning that it isn’t recognized by a Congressional or Presidential proclamation.

The History Of Marshmallows

Although not everyone might realize it, the word “marshmallow” comes from a species of plant called Althaea officinalis—a plant that’s native to parts of North America, Asia, and Europe. It’s a white flower with five petals and with leaves and a fleshy stem. Ancient Egyptians used to boil pieces of this plant’s root pulp with honey to make a thick, sweetened confection about 4,000 years ago. It was also used as a medicine to treat coughs and sore throats.

However, it wouldn’t be until the 19th century when it was made into candy on a large scale by French confectioners. It was also sold for its medicinal properties during this time and made into a cough lozenge. By the time the 20th century rolled around, candy makers had replaced the root of the Althaea officinalis with gelatin. This made the marshmallow mixture more stable and more easily manufactured for mass consumption.

Some Sweet Facts About Marshmallows

If you simply can’t get enough information about marshmallows, then allow us to entertain you with a few more sweet marshmallow facts. The following bits of trivia will give you something to talk about while you’re toasting all of those marshmallows for National Toasted Marshmallow Day.

• The Egyptians used the mallow plant’s sap and mixed it with honey and nuts to make candy.
• Making marshmallows using mallow plants is a long and tedious process.
• Marshmallows became extremely popular at the beginning of the 20th century in the United States.
• Americans buy an estimated 90 million pounds of marshmallows a year.
• The marshmallow capital of the world is in Ligonier, Indiana.

Observing National Toasted Marshmallow Day

The best way to observe this holiday is to enjoy some toasted marshmallows with friends and family. You can toast them up in the privacy of your own kitchen, or take the party outdoors and toast them over a raging campfire. Regardless of how you celebrate it, be sure to use the hashtag #NationalToastedMarshmallowDay on your social media accounts to let everyone know you’re observing this sweet holiday.