Thursday 13 October 2016

Facts About Marmite

Marmite

Tesco have pulled Marmite from its shelves because of Brexit price war.

Unilever campaigned against Britain's exit from the European Union earlier this year, saying the firm would be "negatively impacted" by Brexit. It also said the "way we run the company may be fundamentally different if the decision were taken to leave the EU."

Here're some of the quick facts you need to know about Marmite.

1. It was invented by accident

As with the chocolate chip cookie and liquorice Allsorts, the introduction of Marmite into the world was a complete and utter accident.

It was created in the 19th century when a German chemist, Justus Liebig, one day realised that brewer's yeast - an essential ingredient in the production of beer - could be concentrated, bottled and then eaten.

2. The recipe has never changed

Lots of things have changed during the last 114 years, but the Marmite recipe isn't one of them. Despite the 'love it or hate it' opinion it seems to garner from just about everyone, Marmite's manufacturers have stuck to their traditional recipe of yeast, salt, spices and celery.

As well as the recipe, the colours and graphics have also stayed more or less the same over the last century or so.

3. It's great for pregnant women

For vegetarian and vegan mums-to-be, ensuring they get enough iron, vitamin B12 (both mainly found in meat and fish) and vitamin D in their diet can be difficult.

The NHS recommend incorporating Marmite into your diet somehow for that extra B12 intake. It's also packed with folic acid, which very important for the development of a healthy foetus, and can help to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects.

4. It has a criminal history (sort of)

In 2009, news began to spread that prisons across Britain were banning Marmite after prisoners had begun to use it to make alcohol.

The Daily Express reported that just a few spoonfuls of Marmite could aid the fermentation process to make the drinks. One inmate said: "It’s so easy to make and even though it tastes a bit rough it was enough to get you merry."

However, a Prison Service spokesperson denied the claims and said the spread had not been banned as it couldn't be used to make alcoholic drinks.

5. It's a great hangover cure

In Sri Lanka, Marmite is apparently used as a potent hangover cure. Simply dissolve it in boiling water and lime juice, add a fried, sliced onion and watch your hangover quickly disappear.

6. Mosquitos hate it

If the expensive sprays and creams from your chemist don't manage to stop the bloodsucking insects from using your body as an all you can eat buffet, maybe try adding some more Marmite to your diet.

Its high niacin content ( a type of vitamin B) is thought to act as an effective mosquito repellent - though some experts have disagreed.

7. Britney Spears is a fan

After trying it on the UK on tour in 2011, Britney Spears admitted she's a fan of the yeast based spread. According to insiders, she tried to make a stew with Marmite and also asked for Marmite Twiglets on her rider.

Spears isn't the only superstar fan of the spread. The Rolling Stones, Dido, and Eddie Redmayne are all reportedly fans. Madonna, on the other hand, can't stomach it. In an interview she once said: "I would do anything for my children, for sure. Except have a Marmite sandwich. My daughter's insistent that I eat one, but I won't! Vile."

8. It turns white sometimes

Your bizarre fact of the day: if you repeatedly tap a blob of Marmite with a spoon, it'll turn white. This is because the Marmite becomes full of tiny bubbles. The more you stir, the more the bubbles are crammed in, and the whiter it looks.

9. Guinness Marmite exists

It was only a matter of time, but a Guinness and Marmite collaboration exists. In 2007, Marmite and Guinness announced a special collaboration with a slight alteration to the traditional Marmite recipe that included 30 per cent Guinness yeast.

That wasn't the last time Marmite have altered their recipe either. In 2012 they released Marmite Gold, adding real edible gold specks to the spread.


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