Marshmallows are sweets that have been popular for decades. Although marshmallows seem quite modern, they do in fact date back to the ancient Egyptians in 2000 BC who made a honey based candy and thickened it with the sap of the marsh mallow plant (Althea officinalis). Fast forward to France in the 19th century: the first whipped marshmallows appeared when marsh mallow sap was combined with egg white and sugar. Seeking a more efficient manufacturing process, candy makers in Europe developed the starch mogul system, in which a mixture of marsh mallow root, sugar, egg white and water was heated and then poured into cornstarch molds.