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.
Did you know that marshmallows don’t grow on trees? If you’re curious about their origins, I’ve got you covered! I’ve listed a handful of Organic Marshmallow Farms in the Otisco Valley, Arcade, Dryden, Lyons, and Geneseo areas in this guide. Between Rochester and Allegany State Park, dozens of marshmallow farms dot the countryside, mainly south of Bliss near Farmersville Station.
1. Agricultural Production
With their seeds carefully planted in large fields, marshmallows need twenty feet of breathing room to grow to full size.
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 balers work.
Once the marshmallows have matured, farmers use a specialized forklift to collect them, carefully stacking them to deliver them to processing facilities across the state.
2. Marshmallow Processing & Distribution
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’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.
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.
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?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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