Did I say these were medicinal?
The health benefits in these marshmallows comes from the gelatine.
What is Gelatine?
Gelatine powder is a is flavourless, translucent substance derived from the processing of animal connective tissue and bones to extract collagen, an insoluble fibrous protein. Once extracted and powdered, gelatin dissolves in hot liquids and becomes more solid as it cools. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in gummy sweets, marshmallows, desserts, ice cream, dips and some yogurts.
Gelatine contains easy to digest (bio-available) calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur, amino acids and trace minerals.
It is important to note, however, that not all gelatine is created equal (as with most foods!) Where possible buy organic gelatine from grass fed animals. I say where possible, because I have been unable to find a locally produced one here in South Africa. The gelatine brands I have found all contain the preservative Sulphur Dioxide and I fear they come from conventionally raised animals who are fed GMO corn, in feed lots under terrible conditions.
BUT…
Great Lakes Gelatin is now available in South Africa from Faithful To Nature, VidaLife and Wellness Warehouse
Gelatine used to be a big part of healthy traditional diets when people regularly consumed bone broths as well as the fibrous tissues and organs of animals. While I am a big fan of drinking bone broth (and I really encourage you to give it a try), the little ones may not be so keen on it. So another way to get the healing benefits of gelatine into your diet is to use it in these marshmallows, gummy sweets or in homemade Jelly.
Enjoy!
This recipe first appeared in the blog post about Mila’s 3rd Birthday Party – you can read the blog post and see the other food I prepared for it here.