The nation's spread. (Marmite)

Member Name: RU5H1NG

Product:	Marmite
Date:	11/11/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Tastes great, addictive, healthy, little bit goes a long way, versatile

Disadvantages: Some people hate it!

***A LITTLE BIT OF ITS HISTORY...***
A German scientist named Liebig discovered that the cells from brewer's yeast could be concentrated and eaten. However, it was in 1902 that the Marmite Company began in Burton-on-Trent.

***ITS FORMATS***
125gram glass jar, 200gram squeezy bottle, 250gram glass jar, and a 500gram glass jar. Limited editions are often made such as Champagne and Guinness versions and you can get Marmite flavour Walkers crisps. I have also seen rice cakes with the lovely brown stuff coating too. For kosher, halaal and pareve options please visit http://www.marmitepantry.com/Marmite.html - they also sell similar products such as Bovril and Vegemite.

***HOW IS IT MADE?***
For more detailed information visit http://www.marmite.com/love/history/making-marmite .html . Brewer's yeast is broken down into its basic components of amino acids and proteins, filtered a few times, and then put through a top-secret flavouring process - this makes a yeast extract paste, after this they add vitamins, herbs, and spices to turn it into Marmite.

***WHAT IS IT FOR?***
It is a very versatile food. Most people spread it on their toast, but there are many other uses including sandwiches, soups, stews, stock, painting onto meat, and even adding to sweet dishes such as chocolate icecream! Gary Rhodes is a huge fan of the stuff and has his own section on the Marmite website. I regularly use it in my gravy to give it a lovely golden colour and savoury flavour. It is also perfect in onion soup.

***THAT HARD TO DESCRIBE FLAVOUR...***
If you were to eat a pure teaspoonful you would say it was intensely salty and almost burned the roof of your mouth. That is not the way to eat it and I am sure is what puts off a lot of potential Marmite lovers. The thinner you spread it on something such as toast or crackers, the more you get that rich super savoury flavour that you cannot get anywhere else. There is a slightly meaty undertone to it which is great for curbing meat cravings when on a diet.

***WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT IT?***
Well, apart from that amazing cannot-put-in-words flavour, it is also very good for you. B-vitamins are stated as regulating the kidneys, nervous system and liver aswell as helping combat fatigue and ease problems for women with 'that time of the month'. I was introduced to it the moment I was on solids as a baby and have duly done so with my own children - I believe that those who miss out on Marmite fingers and dipping boiled egg when little have missed out on an intrinsically nostalgic, British, kiddies' breakfast.

Summary: Simply divine!