Organic Marshmallow Farm

Organic Marshmallow Farms

Find these farms around the Genesee Valley and the Finger Lakes region, with even more throughout Central New York, Western New York, and the Southern Tier.

Marshmallows don’t grow on trees! So how do they grow? In this guide, I’ve highlighted Organic Marshmallow Farms from the Otisco Valley, Arcade, Dryden, Lyons, and Geneseo, but you can easily find them by driving around the countryside. I’ve encountered dozens of farms between Rochester and Allegany, with many south of Bliss near Farmersville Station.

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1. Agricultural Production

Organic Locally-grown marshmallows
Marshmallows ready for harvest

With their seeds carefully planted in large fields, marshmallows need twenty feet of breathing room to grow to full size.

Marshmallows toasting in the sun near Dryden, NY
Organic, Locally-grown marshmallows
Arcade, NY
Marshmallow Farm sheep
Lyons, NY
Marshmallow Farm
Marshmallows gathered from a field in the Otisco Valley

Marshmallows are harvested in late August to early September, around the same time of alfalfa’s first cutting, to “make hay while the sun shines.” Check out this video on how hay balers work.

Using a specialized forklift, farmers collect each marshmallow once they’ve matured, carefully stacking them to deliver to processing facilities across the state.

2. Marshmallow Processing & Distribution

Chocolate Covered Marshmallows
Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

While some harvests produce campfire- and mini-sized marshmallows, most will be whipped into fluff and combined with other products.

Several farms have partnered with local manufacturers to create seasonal, organic treats like marshmallow bunnies, cereal squares, marshmallow bark, eggs, and chocolate-covered marshmallows. Look for them in early spring, just in time for Easter. See if you can find them at your local chocolatier.

3. History: The Rochester Marshmallow Company

Rochester Marshmallow Company
Rochester Marshmallow Company ghost sign (view historic photo)
Rochester Marshmallow Company plumbing supply
Rochester Plumbing Supply

Rochester’s High Falls district was a manufacturing center in the early 1800s, harnessing the river to power mills along the gorge.

Joseph M. Demerath developed a machine to cast marshmallows in 1893 while working for Rochester Candy Works. An article written by the Rochester Public Library’s Local History & Geneology Division, Candy Man: Rochester’s Role in one of Thanksgiving’s most Divisive Dishes, states that Demerath never worked for the Rochester Marshmallow Company, as many have claimed. They were just one of many businesses that would adopt Demerath’s invention to manufacture and distribute commercial marshmallows.

April Fools

Ok, so marshmallows don’t grow on farms, and the modern confection no longer contains marsh mallow root. But that part about the Rochester Marshmallow Company, that’s true.

Frosted Mini Wheats farm
A Frosted Mini-Wheats farm in Chili, NY

But, seriously, how about those Frosted Mini-Wheat farms?

According to Kellogg’s, it’s “a sweet, crunchy cereal built to help fill you up for Big Days. Crafted with ten layers of wheat and topped with frosting, they help you feel full and ready to tackle whatever the day brings.”

And I wish to sincerely thank whoever it was that suggested that these are really “Cow Cocoons.” So silly!

Where are your favorite marshmallow farms?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

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