DAY 141 (24 AUGUST) – Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) (Farnham)
Found these flowers growing on the edge of the churchyard this evening. It’s been a hot day and they were wide open, showing off their delicate shades of pink.
The marshmallow (I didn’t know there was a flower of that name) blooms in August and September. Then flat, round fruits appear known as ‘cheeses’.
The flowers and young leaves are edible. The root extract is used in pâté de guimauve in France, made with egg white meringue and flavoured with rose water. This is similar to modern day marshmallows – but these no longer use the plant extract.
