Have you ever heard of Marmite? This is a dark brown spread based on yeast extract that is particularly popular in the UK. The product belongs theretraditional breakfastand is served on toast. Marmite promotes the absorption of important vitamins and minerals and offers other health benefits. Read more about the strange spread in the article!
Marmite: what is it and how does it taste?
Marmite is actually the brand name of a vegetarian seasoning paste that consists, among other things, of yeast extract. The idea behind the product was originally discovered by German chemist Justus von Liebig. Today Marmite is manufactured in Great Britain by the British company Unilever.
The taste of Marmite is controversial. Some Brits love him and others hate him. A British writer described it as having a “yeasty, salty, soy sauce-like aroma with the consistency of old motor oil.” But most people describe the taste as unique. Some of the yeast paste's hardcore fans advise newbies not to smell the spread before eating it for the first time. Some consumers mix Marmite with butter or other foods to reduce the intense flavor a bit.
What is in the vegetarian yeast paste?
At first glance, the seasoning paste looks a bit like liquid jam or honey. In fact, she has onesweet spreadnothing in common. Then what is Marmite made of? The main ingredients in it are yeast extract, salt, vegetable extract, celery extract and spices. However, the exact recipe is a trade secret.
Nutritional information according to USDA per 1 teaspoon (5 g) of Marmite:
- Calories: 8 kcal
- Fett: 0 g
- Natrium: 166 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Zucker: <1 g
- Protein: 1 g
A single serving of Marmite contains just eight calories, one gram of protein, less than a gram of carbohydrates (mainly sugar) and no fat. But this single teaspoon serving provides approximately 25% of the recommended daily intake of riboflavin, 50% of the recommended daily intake of thiamine, and approximately 25% of the recommended daily intake of niacin. You also benefit from a healthy dose of folic acid (20% of the recommended amount), vitamin B12 (25%) and iron (15%).
Because you only use a small amount of the product on toast or crackers, the calories it contains won't make much of a difference in the nutritional value of the entire meal. However, you get important micronutrients.
How healthy is Marmite?
In 1912, it was discovered that Marmite was a great source of vitamin B, and so British soldiers fighting in the First World War were provided jars of the stuff as part of their food rations. In the 1930s, English scientist Lucy Wills successfully used Marmite to treat anemia in mill workers in Bombay, India, thanks to the folic acid it contained. The product was also used by Suriya Mal workers to treat malnutrition during the 1934-1935 malaria epidemic in Sri Lanka. So the yeast paste basically has superpowers!
The yeast used to make Marmite is a by-product of the brewing industry, also known as brewer's yeast. Brewer's yeast is sometimes used in alternative medicine to promote digestive health. Brewer's yeast is also believed to help treat a number of health conditions, including colds, flu, diarrhea and diabetes. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these benefits.
The vitamins and minerals in Marmite promote health in a number of ways. For example, thiamine is essential for a healthy metabolism. It also helps the heart, nerves, and muscles function properly. Riboflavin and niacin help the body convert carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B-12 helps keep nerves and blood cells healthy and is important for DNA synthesis. Those who areeat vegan, have a higher risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency. However, a single serving of Marmite provides 25% of the recommended daily intake.
Although the taste of Marmite is often described as intense and off-putting, the sticky spread remains popular due to its nutritional benefits. In an interview with the BBC, nutritionist Melanie Brown said: "Marmite plays such a useful role in many people's diets and is incredibly useful for older people who are deficient in vitamin B-12. It is full of folic acid and there is ample evidence that many women, and especially young women of childbearing age, are deficient in folic acid.”
People watching their salt intake should avoid the yeast paste as it is high in sodium. The product is not only vegetarian, but also vegan, but not gluten-free.
How to eat Marmite? Tips and ideas for recipes
The possibilities for enjoying Marmite are almost endless. It's great on toast, English crumpets, bagels, and crackers, among other things, to add a savory flavor. The secret is to spread the toast with a very thin layer. But it's also a nice way to add a deeper flavor to different dishes. For example, you can add a spoonful of it to a stew or use it to refine pasta sauces such as bolognese or carbonara.
The company that makes the condiment also makes Marmite flavored chips as the combination is very popular. In some regions there is even chocolate with this taste.
When you're ready to try this unique yeast extract paste, you can use it as a dip for vegetables like carrots or celery, or even in place of mustard or mayonnaise on your sandwich. However, if you want to explore other uses for Marmite, you can find hundreds of recipes online.
- For example, you can prepare gourmet pizza with cheese, Marmite, olive oil and your favorite toppings such as onions, mushrooms, feta or artichoke hearts.
- Are you looking for ideas for a quick snack? Make Marmite stuffed eggs by combining just a small amount of the spread with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard and chives.
- For a hearty meal, make Marmite lentil soup by adding it to a pot with potatoes, celery, lentils, mushrooms, herbs and chicken stock.
- And if you like baking, add itAdd to your favorite bread recipe. Some bakers even add yogurt, chives, and poppy seeds for extra flavor.
Marmite is extremely popular in Great Britain and can therefore be found in almost every grocery store. If you would like to try the strange spread yourself, you can find the product online.
