If you ’ve never tried Vegemite , you ’re missing out — at least , that ’s what they say in Australia , where the savory ranch is king . But if you ’re not from Down Under , you probably do n’t even know what it is .
Well , Vegemiteis a breakfast spread with apeanut butter - similar consistency that ’s made from brewers ' yeast extract . This Australian staple fibre , renowned for a piquant , sometimes yeasty flavor , was inspired by the British spreadMarmite , that ’s also made from barm infusion .
The Marmite Food Extract Company bottled and exported its spread to Australia and New Zealand in the other 1900s . Rich in vitamin type B , Marmite was a staple for soldiers duringWorld War I. When warfare disrupt imports , Australians had to get originative . Melbourne chemistCyril Percy Callisterintroduced Australia ’s own version of the black paste , and Vegemite was born .
tight - forward more than 100 years , and Vegemite is still an Australian favorite . Kentucky resident Sid Pomeroy , who was born in Australia and lived there for 37 years before moving to the U.S. , say most family start their Kyd on Vegemite early . " My first preference that I remember would be around age 4 or 5 , " Pomeroy says in an e-mail . " It ’s just something we ate most dawn for breakfast : Vegemite on toast . Even to this Clarence Shepard Day Jr. I watch my 1 - year - old granddaughter eat Vegemite toast via FaceTime . "
Acquiring the Vegemite Taste
While it ’s beloved in Australia , Vegemite has yet to catch on in the U.S. Australian - born chef Stuart Rackham say the paste contain some time to get used to . Rackham is vice president of innovation and supply chain at Fogo de Chão in Houston .
" It ’s what you would call an acquire taste , " Rackham says in an electronic mail . " Just looking at its black color and solid eubstance may raise question , and then when you smell it for the first time , it can be overwhelming . " That smell he ’s draw — a answer of its beer maker - barm make up — is a describe as " S , meaty , chicken broth " accord toThe Guardian . That ’s one reason Americans may turn their noses up . Another ? The strong taste .
" Growing up on it with goner or with cheese on a sandwich , it ’s something you grow accustomed to and kind of crave , " Rackham says . " I think to a lot of masses who attempt it for the first time , they think of it like hold peanut butter to a piece of bread , so they slather it on . in reality , you only need a thin public exposure . "
How to Eat Vegemite
Australian role player Hugh Jackman gave American late - nighttime host Jimmy Fallon a Vegemite moral we could all learn from in 2015 . " It ’s not like Nutella , you ca n’t scoop it on , " Jackman said on the show . He go on to give amust - watch tutorialfor Vegemite virgins .
Vegemite on buttered pledge is perhaps the simplest , most straightforward style to eat it , although cheese and , progressively , avocado are among the plus - up recipes . But Rackham has a few other trick up his arm . " It ’s really well enjoyed with raging pledge and butter , but it can be used in some beef recipes as a stock , like in a swither , " Rackham says . " It sum up an interesting complexity and salty and savory note . One role I remember from childhood is when you ’re feeling a little under the atmospheric condition , a spoonful of Vegemite in a hot fool of water system helps , and gives you a nice dose of vitamin B. "
And more about those wellness perks : Vegemite has a mountain of them . While it may be a savory comfort food for thought for Australians , its megadose of vitamin type B is what lead to its conception in the first stead . Soldiers swear on Vegemite , and its predecessor Marmite , for vitamin B during World War I. According toHealthline , it ’s a great source of vitamins B1 , B2 , B3 and B9 ; the boil down - salt Vegemite options include B6 and B12 .
Together , these vitamins sustain everything from spunk health and mind health to reduce fatigue and anxiety . And , accord to Pomeroy ’s experience , the brown spread has another marvellous benefit : " It ’s a with child holdover cure . "
