Marshmallows.......... Summer Treat Universal

Am I the only one who remembers Chocolate Marshmallows? Hard to find them these days, but they were my favorite. Especially good on 'Smores. 

What do we know about the history of this squishy treat? Were they a treat to our ancestors? 

History of Marshmallows.  Ancient Egyptians were the first to enjoy a gooey treat now called marshmallow as early as 2000 BC. The treat was considered very special and it was reserved for gods and royalty. Marshmallow was made from the mallow plant (Athaea officinalis) that grows wild in marshes.... Modern marshmallow confections were first made in France around 1850. 

Mallow Flower

Fun Food Facts for Summer....... Picnic Table Conversation Starters

What fruits did our ancestors enjoy? Apples? Berries? Certainly not bananas and very seldom oranges. Your thoughts? 

Guess how many different flavors of Jelly Beans exist?  50!

How big was the world's heaviest tomato? 8.61 pounds!

How many rows on an average ear of corn? 16 rows

How much of a cucumber is water? 95%

How many varieties of apples are grown in the world? 7500

Americans eat how much peanut butter annually? 700,000,000 lbs

How many ingredients in a Twinkie? 37 (and most of them are chemicals, ugh)

Here's a bit sure to generate answers:  Is it possible to grow an apple tree from a seed in the apple you're munching? Simple answer is yes. BUT it won't come "true to form," so says the experts for a variety of reasons. Wanna know? Ask Grandma Google.