Can you roast marshmallows on a gas stove?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you roast marshmallows on a gas stove” with an in-depth analysis of the methods used for roasting marshmallows as well as the chemical reactions responsible for the appearance of a unique roasted flavor and aroma. Moreover, we are also going to discuss what marshmallow is and what wonderful history this confectionery item holds.

Can you roast marshmallows on a gas stove?

Yes, we can roast marshmallows on a gas stove as it is one of the easiest methods for doing so. The main reason behind roasting a marshmallow is to have a wonderful evening with your family and friends just like a BBQ party.

Furthermore, this product is preferred to be included in the party menu due to a unique flavor and aroma obtained after roasting it on fire, and roasting on fire is easier in that it needs only a small pre-preparations.

Marshmallows:

Marshmallows are confectionery items that are mainly made up of four ingredients, including sugar, water, air, and a whipping or thickening agent, such as proteins, gelatin, cornstarch, etc. These ingredients are mixed and thicken until the desired consistency is produced. Marshmallows are available in different flavors nowadays, depending upon the type of sugar as well as the protein used.

History of marshmallows:

The word “marshmallow” originated from a mallow plant that is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. These plants grow in marshes and damp areas. For the first time, the marshmallows were made by boiling the root pulp of the mallow plant with honey and after enough thick texture was obtained, the mixture was strained, colored, and shaped to use.

After the invention of this confectionery item, many people got focused on identifying new methods of preparing marshmallows, such as cornstarch was used at times to make marshmallows. Another innovation was made after replacing the plant root with gelatin that resulted in the formation of a stable form of marshmallow.

Therefore, the manufacturing process of marshmallows holds an interesting history. Modern preparation methods follow the technique of the extrusion process.

Method of roasting on the gas stove:

1. Place the gas stove in the properly ventilated area.
2. Take a roasting stick and insert it into the marshmallows to hold them on fire.
3. For roasting, place the roasting stick containing marshmallows above 6 inches of the flame that is known best for acquiring the desired temperature.
4. Keep rotating the marshmallows for 5 minutes which allows the roasting of every area of the marshmallows.
5. After 5 minutes, remove from the flame and blow them before eating. You can consume both in hot as well as in the cool state.

You can read how to make marshmallows here.

Other FAQs about Marshmallows which you may be interested in.

Can you bake marshmallows in brownies?

Can you get sick from eating expired marshmallows?

Roasting of marshmallows:

Upon roasting the marshmallows, a chemical change takes place inside the marshmallow. This reaction involves the production of water, which then evaporates leaving behind the carbon particles that cause the blackening of the surface as well as gives a roasted flavor to the end product.

1. Upon exposure to heating, the moisture content inside the marshmallows expands, causing the expansion or swelling of marshmallows.
2. After expansion, the water molecules try to penetrate the surroundings, causing tiny holes into the texture of marshmallows and escape through these holes in the form of steam or water vapors.
3. After the evaporation of all the moisture, the marshmallows become a little hard as it only contains sucrose and other whipped ingredients.
4. The oxygen from the surroundings gathers on the surface of marshmallows and diffuses into the surface where carbon reacts with oxygen and produces a blue flame.
5. The carbon and oxygen combine to form carbon monoxide which then converts into carbon dioxide.
6. This is the perfect time to remove marshmallows from fire. When you do so and blow the marshmallows the oxidation of carbon is interrupted and soot is created due to incomplete combustion.
7. This is how a black surface appears on the marshmallows and a certain flavor or aroma is developed.

Safety concerns for roasting marshmallows:

Roasting the marshmallows on a gas stove does not pose any health risk to the consumers. It is just for the development of a unique taste that is liked by most people around the world.

The marshmallows are usually roasted in an open environment, but if you are roasting them indoors, make sure that the area is well ventilated to remove the excess heat produced. This is due to the reason that gas usually produces harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ultrafine particles, and the proper ventilation will reduce the exposure by removing them as they are produced.

Further, it is also considered safe to roast marshmallows on gas due to the reason that the gas produces chemicals or fumes to the extent that does not cause any harm and is even negligible.

Moreover, the ingredients included in the marshmallows do not produce chemicals that can do any harm to people as the products having greases or combustible ingredients would be dangerous when exposed to the flames and these unpleasant substances are absent in marshmallows. The gas also does not induce any unpleasant flavor or aroma in the product which makes the roasting on gas safe.

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you roast marshmallows on a gas stove” with an in-depth analysis of the cooking methods and chemical reactions for roasting the marshmallows responsible for the characteristics features of this product, resulting in an enhanced demand and acceptability of the food product. Moreover, we also discussed the history as well as some safety concerns that people might associate with the roasting of marshmallows which indicated that the roasting of this product does not cause any health risk or harm to humans.

Citations:

http://www.crooksville.k12.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Chemistry-May-13.pdf