Marmite is like our old friend blue cheese: people either love it or hate it. Personally, I love it. It is undoubtedly one of the oddest pantry essentials out there. A jar can go unfinished for years. Not because people don’t consume it, but simply because it packs a very intense punch and, therefore, a little goes a long way.
So, what exactly is Marmite? It is a yeast extract derived from brewing beer, and even though it was invented by a German, Baron Justus von Liebig, it is a quintessentially British product. The Guardian newspaper described it in the following way – “The taste is so unique as to defy description, but think of a yeasty, salty, soy sauce-esque flavour with the consistency of old engine oil.” I mean, who doesn’t fancy consuming some old engine oil every so often? 😉
I grew up in a household that was very divided when it came to Marmite. Whilst my mum was definitely on the “I hate it” side of the Marmite debate, my sister loved it, and for me, the occasion had to be right. It was a once-in-a-blue-moon consumption, but it certainly hit the spot when I wanted it!
The ideal Marmite experience for me was a piece of toast, cooled then buttered and topped with a smear of Marmite. Not too much, not too little. I loved this salty fix with, wait for it, a glass of cold milk. Call me odd but for me, it hit the spot. These days, I consume it a little more regularly and I have even converted my American husband to blurt out every so often, “I know what I want…I want Marmite on toast.”
In my humble opinion, whilst Marmite on toast is still the ideal way to enjoy this much-debated condiment, I have found other ways to put it to use. It is a flavorful addition to stews and casseroles, adding a salty, umami-like je ne sais quoi, and I use a healthy dose of it in my Marmite oatcake recipe (coming soon!).
Over the years, Marmite has come out with various items infused or coated with their product, from cashews and cheese to peanut butter and rice cakes. If you are a Marmite lover, they are worth trying as they will surely delight!
