Mention Marmite and you’re guaranteed only one of two reactions – a devoted fan who waxes lyrical about the benefits of this nutritional yeast spread or the naysayer who swears he/she won’t even come near it.
However, this product has taken both camps in its stride with their love it/hate it advertisements. In 2002 during their centennial anniversary celebrations, 33 taxis in the UK were decked out in the Marmite logo and emblazoned with ‘100 years of love’ on one side and ‘100 years of hate’ on the other.
This viscous caramel-coloured extract has a very strong and slightly salty flavour that produces a light mouth-burning effect and is a staple in most British households. It’s produced in Burton Upon Trent in the UK and is usually eaten with hot buttered toast during breakfast and tea time. Vegemite, produced in Australia, is considered a weaker version of the British original.
What is in Marmite?
Although first commercially produced in the UK, this edible yeast extract was first discovered by a German chemist. During the First World War Marmite was part of British soldier’s ration packs and probably for good reason. Made from brewer’s yeast, it contains a range of B vitamins; which are known to regulate the function of the liver, kidneys and nervous system, folic acid and niacin along with the added flavour of vegetable and spice extracts. Special non-alcoholic blends made with Guinness and Champagne have also been released. Marmite is 100 per cent vegetarian.
From where does Marmite get its name?
Until the 1920s, Marmite was packaged in a small earthenware pot whose shape is similar to the French casserole dish, marmite (pronounced mahr-meet), that’s used to make stews and dishes like cassoulet. Today, the label still carries a picture of the original marmite but the jar and signature yellow-red cap has remained almost unchanged since then.
Marmite-flavoured Foods
Although easily paired with toast and butter, Marmite is also used to flavour soups, stews and as a base for sandwiches. In the UK, it’s easy to find Marmite-flavoured snacks like Walker’s crisps, Twiglets - savoury snack shaped like tree twigs, cheese spread enhanced with the extract and even a cheese and Marmite panini in Starbucks.
Some fans suggest eating it with plain boiled spaghetti, warm crumpets or slices of cheddar cheese. However because of its strong flavour, it is advised that you spread a very thin layer. In 2006, an easy squeeze bottle was released, with the original Marmite label replaced by a tempting ‘Squeeze Me’ sticker.
Beverley Ann - Beverley Ann currently works as a new writer at The Weather Network in Oakville, Ontario. At her last job, she was the deputy editor of ...
