Marshmallows, will you ever think of them the same way again?

[LaurenG]

According to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, a marshmallow is:

1: a pink-flowered European perennial herb (Althaea officinalis) of the mallow family that is naturalized in the eastern U.S. and has a mucilaginous root sometimes used in confectionery and in medicine; 2: a confection made from the root of the marshmallow or from corn syrup, sugar, albumen, and gelatin beaten to a light spongy consistency

That word "mucilaginous" means "jelly-like." Later, the root was replaced by gelatin, and that is how modern marshmallows are made.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/question128.htm

Here's the best part: Gelatin

The gelatin you eat in Jell-O (or marshmallows)comes from the collagen in cow or pig bones, hooves, and connective tissues. To make gelatin, manufacturers grind up these various parts and pre-treat them with either a strong acid or a strong base to break down cellular structures and release proteins like collagen. After pre-treatment, the resulting mixture is boiled. During this process, the large collagen protein ends up being partially broken down, and the resulting product is called gelatin. The gelatin is easily extracted because it forms a layer on the surface of the boiling mixture.

Gelatin is a common ingredient in foods because it is so versatile. It can be used as a gelling agent (as in Jell-O), as a thickener, an emulsifier, and a stabilizer. You'll find it in a variety of foods, from yogurt to chewing gum. Here is a list of some other foods that commonly contain gelatin:

* gummy bears
* sour cream
* cream cheese
* cake icing and frosting
* marshmallows
* soups, sauces and gravies
* canned ham and chicken
* corned beef
* sausage

Gelatin is even used to make the coating for pills that makes them easier to swallow. It's also in cosmetics, lozenges, and ointments.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/question557.htm

[TallahasseeGrannie]

1. God I love connective tissues!

[LaurenG]

2. Sick huh

I think they should put a warning label on this stuff.

[dcfirefighter]

3. It's that connective tissue that makes pot roast so good

i watch too much alton brown.

[bleedingheart]

4. My mother makes homemade headcheese ....so I have seen this

process in action..

She buys pig's feet, ham hocks and chicken...boils and boils and boils it...until all the meat comes away from the bone... then she continues to boil as she works out the bones...

The end result she places in bowls ..bowls of meat and natural gelatin...refrigerates it and then when it is fully "jelled" we eat it in pie like slices with hot sauce or vinegar...

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Marshmallows are meat!

And therefore they should be eaten with A-1 Steak Sauce.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

6. If Only You Knew What Was In Perfume LOL

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Perfume contains weasel pee or whale sweat or something like that.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

9. Well, Used to Contain Whale Phlegm but not anymore. But still Crushed B

Beaver balls, cat gut, and crystals made from breaking down feces, are other examples lol

[Deja Q]

8. Aw man! When I had the flu, I was eatin' mad cow and didn't know it!

In a warm fluid form too, because that's better for sick tummies! :rofl:

And expensive medicines, w00t! :woohoo: