Marmite
Marmite is a British savoury spread made from yeast extract.
Marmite is a British savoury spread made from yeast extract. First produced in 1902, it is known for its dark brown colour, salty, strong flavour, and reputation as a divisive food that people tend to love or hate. In Canada, Marmite is sold and consumed as a British-style yeast-extract spread and an acquired taste.
History
Marmite was first produced in 1902 by the Marmite Food Company. Sources note that the concept of concentrating brewer’s yeast was associated with the work of Justus von Liebig, and the product became a long-running British staple.
Ingredients and nutrition
Marmite is made from yeast extract and includes added vitamins. It is described as a vegan source of B vitamins, including vitamin B12, though ingredient formulations can vary by market.
Taste and cultural reputation
Marmite has a thick, dark appearance and an intense salty, savoury flavour. Its strong taste has made it a cultural shorthand for something that is an acquired taste or that divides opinion.
Uses
The spread is usually used sparingly because of its concentrated flavour. It is most often eaten on toast, bread, crackers, and sandwiches, and can also be used as a seasoning ingredient in cooking.
Key facts
- Marmite is a British savoury spread made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing.
- It was first produced in 1902.
- Marmite is known for its polarising taste, often described as 'love it or hate it'.
- It is commonly eaten thinly spread on buttered toast, bread, crackers, or sandwiches.
- Marmite is a vegan source of added B vitamins, including vitamin B12.
Marmite is sold and consumed in Canada, where it is generally known as a British-style yeast-extract spread and an acquired taste.
Frequently asked questions
What is Marmite?
When was Marmite first produced?
Is Marmite vegetarian or vegan?
Why is Marmite described as “love it or hate it”?
How is Marmite usually eaten?
What is Marmite made from?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MarmiteSupports: Origin, first production date, appearance, flavour, manufacturer, common uses, and B-vitamin content.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37646193Supports: Historical note that Marmite was discovered by German scientist Justus Liebig and became a long-running British spread.
- Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-marmiteSupports: Definition, popularity in the UK, strong flavour, and ingredient/nutritional overview.
- Allrecipes — https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-marmite/Supports: Yeast-extract basis, beer-brewing by-product, and added vitamins.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/marmiteSupports: Dual meaning of marmite as a cooking pot and as a yeast/vegetable extract spread.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/marmiteSupports: Brand-name spread description and the metaphorical meaning of something people strongly like or dislike.
- WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/marmite-is-it-good-for-youSupports: Prepared food description, use on toast and in cooking, and popularity in English-speaking countries.