The delicious campfire treat known as s’mores has a rich history that dates back to the Industrial Revolution. Without the technological advances of this era, the s’more as we know it today would not exist.
One of the key ingredients in a s’more is the marshmallow, which was originally made from the marsh mallow plant. Over time, the process of making marshmallows became mechanized, making them more affordable and accessible to the masses. Today’s marshmallows no longer contain marsh mallow sap but are made from ingredients like corn syrup, cornstarch, and gelatin.
Chocolate, another essential component of a s’more, has a long history that dates back thousands of years. It was the Industrial Revolution that made chocolate more affordable and palatable for the average person. The invention of milk chocolate in the 19th century made chocolate bars more popular than ever before.
The graham cracker, the final piece of the s’more puzzle, was invented by Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister who believed in the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. His whole-wheat graham cracker eventually became a staple in the health food movement of the 19th century.
The origins of the s’more itself are somewhat unclear, but it first appeared in a 1927 Girl Scout manual as “Some More.” The term s’more was later coined in a 1938 guide to recreational programs for summer camps. Some believe that the s’more may have been inspired by other snacks like the Mallomar or the moon pie.
Today, the s’more has inspired a variety of spin-offs, from s’mores-flavored Pop Tarts to s’mores candy bars and even s’mores martinis. The popularity of this campfire treat continues to grow, much to the delight of s’more enthusiasts everywhere. As we enjoy this classic treat, we can appreciate the role that technology and innovation have played in making the s’more possible.