There’s nothing like a fire and a bag of marshmallows. Just thinking of that brings back memories of hot, gooey marshmallows melting in my mouth. There are many different things we put our marshmallows on to roast them. Some are good and some are not so good. Let’s look at wooden skewers.
Can you roast marshmallows with wooden skewers? Yes, you can roast marshmallows with wooden skewers. Buy high quality wooden skewers. You should get the long ones; 30″ – 36″. Soak them in water before using them so they don’t burn. Clean them well if you intend to re-use them. Though, it is probably a good idea to use them once and then throw them away.
Are there dangerous chemicals in wooden skewers?
Bamboo is the most common kind of wooden skewer on the market. Most companies market their wooden skewers as being all natural and free from chemicals. There doesn’t seem to be much data on any potential risk involved in using wooden skewers for preparing food.
There are some people that contend wooden skewers have chemicals such as peroxide and formaldehyde added in the manufacturing process. Some also believe that moisture is present when the skewers are packaged and mold grows inside and on them when they are stored.
Burning the skewers before using them may help to remove any unwanted material like mold and chemicals. But there is no guarantee that this process removes it. If you are not comfortable with using wooden skewers, you should use a stainless steel skewer.
For more answers to your questions about using bamboo skewers, checkout our post Can You Use Bamboo Skewers for S’mores?
Can bamboo skewers catch fire?
Bamboo skewers can catch fire, but it takes a lot of heat for it to continue to burn. If you don’t sit your skewer directly in the fire or leave it over an open flame for an extended period of time, you shouldn’t have any problems with it burning. Some people like to soak their skewers in water before using them to prevent burning.
How do you clean wooden skewers?
You should clean wooden skewers off as soon as you are done using them. If you are using them for a long time, you may want to clean them periodically between uses. To get any marshmallow residue or soot off of the skewers, clean them with dish detergent and warm water. Be sure to let them dry thoroughly before storing them. Leaving them wet or with food still on them can make for a haven of bacteria.
For safety purposes, you may want to discard each wooden skewer after you have used it. They are not that costly. It may be better to spend a few more cents, then to have your health put at risk.
Can you use a coat hanger to roast marshmallows?
Many people use coat hangers for roasting marshmallows. We always did when we were young. But I would advise against it now. Coat hangers have a protective coating on them that can be toxic. Even if you burn the coating off, the metal underneath the coating is not rated for food consumption.
Is it safe to use sticks from the woods to roast marshmallows?
This is a tried and true method of every outdoor enthusiast. Sticks can be found lying on the ground or you can break one off of a tree. You should check the stick for any mold, fungus, dry rot, or insects before you use it. It is best to burn the outside off before using it. Sticks found in the woods tend to burn quickly unless they have been exposed to water.
A great thing you can do with a stick you find in the woods is to whittle it down with a knife. This gives you a nice fresh wood surface to cook on.
What can you use for roasting marshmallows?
Metal skewers
These skewers should be made out of stainless steel. They clean off easily with soap and water. They come in a variety of sizes and types. You can buy long metal skewers that don’t fold. These can be difficult to store.
You can get telescopic metal skewers that go out up to 36″. These are perfect for traveling because they take up so little room.
Bamboo wood skewers
Bamboo wood skewers are made of natural wood. They are available in various lengths. The longer ones are a little bit of a pain in the neck to travel with and store. They seem to always be in the way.
Stick in the woods
Sticks are everywhere at your feet in the woods or in your yard. Pick one up, clean it up, and roast some marshmallows. Be sure to check it for anything unhealthy on it.
What kind of fire is safe to roast marshmallows over
A fire made with wood or leaves is safe to roast your marshmallows over. Also, many people like to roast marshmallows when barbecuing with charcoals. A natural gas flame is also okay. If you are using Duraflame logs, it is okay to roast marshmallows.
Is it safe to eat burnt marshmallows?
We have all heard that consuming some burnt foods is dangerous to our health. According to current knowledge, marshmallows are not one of the dangerous foods to eat if they are burnt. If you like it crispy and black or even on fire, go ahead and eat knowing you will live to see another day.
Can you eat marshmallows without roasting?
You may find that you don’t have anything to put your marshmallow on to roast it. Or you may not feel like roasting it. So the question arises, “Can you eat marshmallows without roasting?”
Of course you can eat a marshmallow without roasting it. Marshmallows are edible right out of the bag. They are made sugar, water, and gelatin.
Conclusion
Wooden skewers are safe to use when roasting marshmallows. Keep your skewers clean. Let them dry before storing them. Store them in a dry place
If you are using wood from the woods, clean the stick off before using it. You can also whittle the end to give you a clean surface.
Stainless steel skewers are also a good choice for roasting marshmallows. Just be sure to stay away from any metal not graded for food preparation and consumption.
