Marmite

What the heck IS it?

You may have heard me mention Marmite in some of my recipes. But what the heck IS it? What do you DO with it? And where do you BUY it?

Marmite is another one of those “love it or hate it” ingredients.

It’s basically yeast extract. According to the inter web - some German chemist discovered that you could turn leftover beer yeast into a gooey, high-protein byproduct and started selling it in England in 1902.

I should add that this is a VERY British staple. But apparently Australians really loved it too because when their supplies were cut off during WW1 - they developed their own - and now we have Vegemite.

🎶 I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich 🎶

BTW - personally? No offense vegemite but I like marmite better.

What Does Marmite Taste Like?

Salty. That’s the first thing people usually notice, and with 340mg of sodium per 1 tsp serving - that’s why. So for all of you watching your high blood pressure….. you might just want to pass on this one.

But to me, it also imparts a certain “umami” flavor….almost ‘beefy’ in a way I can’t describe…. and I just love it.

It’s very dark and thick like molasses - but very broth-like in taste and salty.

How Do You Use It?

You can add it to sauces, broths, soups, or stews - anything you want to impart that beefy, umami flavor to. Especially gravy!

Or you can use it the way they do across the pond - on toast. They spread a thin layer of butter on their toast followed by a thin layer of marmite. I’ve actually replaced the butter with hummus and then a thin spread of marmite and THAT is the bomb!

Where Do You Buy Marmite?

“Ok, you’ve convinced me to try this stuff Chuck, where do I buy it?”

Check your local grocery stores as my Fred Meyer carries it (about $8 per jar). But probably the best place is on Amazon. I go to Whole Foods, New Seasons, and Trader Joes all of the time - and even they don’t have it. So yeah - Amazon.

Let me know if YOU have tried it and what you thought of it.