Where did Vegemite originate? In Australia of course
81My First Vegemite
Early in 2011 Kraft Foods after 70 years of manufacturing Vegemite succumbed to the pleas of many dietitians and released a new salt-reduced version of Vegemite.
The new Vegemite is call "My First Vegemite" is aimed almost shamelessly at the kids.
I believe there is only half of the Sodium content that the original Vegemite contains.
A spokesperson for Kraft has said that 'My First Vegemite' was intended to introduce new arrivals in Australia and children who had never tried the spread to the unique taste of Vegemite and then I guess graduate on to the full strenth Vegemite
Vegemite
In a way this is my homage to Vegemite a simple spread that grew into a Legend.
During October 2008 Vegemite celebrated its
"Vegemite-Billionth Jar Promotion"
so I figured any product that has sold 1 billion units deserved some sort of Homage.
I have been asked by many people ( well at least 2 ) just what is Vegemite.
When I explain what Vegemite actually is made of , their faces screw up and they say "How can you possibly eat shit like that?". Well I'm here to tell you that you can eat shit like that , and I'll explain how.
When I was growing up as well as many Australian kids our staple diet included Vegemite spread. We would have it on toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and in our dinner at night as a flavouring for soups stews etc.
New product update
New update on the new spread with the combination of Vegemite and Cheese !
To all and sundry and hopefully not be change again it will be called :
taaaa dumm
Cheesybite
Just to prove it is not a joke there is an image of the product released in early 2010!
New recipe release June 2009
SEPTEMBER 2009:
The name for the new spread has been released, wait for itttt----*****DRUM ROLL***
******************** i snack 2.0 ***************
Guess what :
******************it is no longer called isnack 2.0*************
stay tuned for the new name ? No this is not a joke it is serious . LOLOL
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegemite and Cheese in the one jar.
What will it be called : "Cheesimite" how about "Vegeese"
Give me your thoughts in the comments below.
14 th June 2009
Great News for Vegemite Lovers
Myself and many AUSTRALIANS have been happy little Vegemites for almost a century so Kraft the manufacturers of Vegemite didn't want to mess with the famous spread lightly.
But after quizzing over 300,000 people about how they eat it, they decided that Vegemite goes well with cheese. ( I agree completely )
So yesterday the makers ot the famous Australian product, launched a new version of Vegemite that the manufacturers say is smoother and more velvety than the original.
While the recipe is top secret, it is basically a combination of regular Vegemite and cream cheese.
The original will still be available and it is the first variation of the brand in 85 years.
Vegemite - One of the first advertisements
Vegemite - the origin
But first before the eating a lit bit of history about the origins of Vegemite.
Vegemite was created in 1922 by a chemist named Cyril Callister who worked for the then named "Fred Walker Cheese Company"The factory was located in Port Melbourne,a suburb of Melbourne (Australia).
The company became known as "Kraft Walker Cheese Company" in 1926.
Around 1952 the advertising reflected the association the company had with Kraft food Company in America.
Because of the strength in the market of its opposition "Marmite" the products name was changed for a while to "Parwill". (get it). But thank goodness that did not last to long.
The main ingredient in Vegemite is Brewer's Yeast!
I grew up in Melbourne and the rumour that I grew up believing was that Vegemite was developed because they did not know what to do with the waste left over from the beer manufacturing process.
I threw that fact in for shadesbreath our resident beer drinking expert.
I would like him to know that during the process of making Vegemite there is definitely no waste of good beer.
The name Vegemite was obtained from a competition ran by the company for the amazingly good prize at that time of 50 Pounds (Approx A$100)
For more detailed readings visit the Kraft food website.
Unsubstantiated Rumor
15/04/09
A non-member has place a comment below challanging he origins of Vegemite. In case you can't find it in the comments I will reproduce it here it in entirety.
Keith42 says:
They say that to copy something is the best form of flattery, and that is just what Vegimite is a copy of Marmite, the true story is that Marmite was sent out to Australia from very early on and at some stage there was a shortage of Marmite , so a butcher in Melbourne decided to try and copy it , which he did and then Kraft got hold of it , and the rest as they say is history. Marmite has been around for about 150 years or more. For people to say Vegimite tastes different to Marmite is totally stupid they have the same taste.
I have challenged Keith42 to produce some proof for his statement.
Hi Keith nice to hear your "rumour". What you are saying can only be put down as a rumour because you do not produce one skerrick of information to substantiate your rather bombastic statement.
If you cannot taste the difference between Marmite and Vegemite I suggest you might consider having your taste buds revitalised.
Mate, Drop in any time you like, I love a chat!
Down Under performed by Men at Work
Pop Culture
Vegemite became so popular that it got a mention in song that has almost become Australia's national anthem " Down Under" performed by "Men at Work" and has ranked number 1 in America, England and Australia.
Australia's real national anthem is "Advance Australia Fair"
Vegemite - now for the eating
The Product
Ok it's been variously discribed as:-
axle grease, which it ain't, but you could probably use it as a substitute.
baby poo, not to sure.
dog poo , pretty sure it's not.
various other things not suitable for publication.
As far as taste goe's well everyone seems to have a different opinion, you do really have to try it for yourself.
Iv'e been eating it on and off since I was born and it hasn't done me any harm, not much anyway!
The eating
Ok I hear you say "how do you eat it" .
Well any way you bloody well want to! Thats how, thats the beauty of the stuff, there are no rules.
I will offer you some suggestions to get you going:-
1) spread a THIN layer on buttered toast. till you get the taste for it.
2) spread a Thin layer on warm fresh buttered bread.
3) sandwich made with cheddar cheese and vegemite.
4) add it as flavouring to soups, stews, anything really.
Vegemite - they even make memorabilia
Collectables
Just to show you how popular Vegemite is in Australia, there is a range of collectable items such as:-
1) a "Vegemite "A" model Truck".
2) a Vegemite cap
3) Golf balls
4) even toasters.
Vegemite Poll
Have you ever tried Vegemite
See results without votingVegemite- do you like it
See results without voting | Amazon Price: $44.13 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.39 |
CommentsLoading...
G'day sixty,
Thanks for the comment just to clear the taste thing up. I did try Marmite and I thought it was terrible, so I would say that Vegemite has a whole different taste.
I see you and I got a mention on a forum as a couple of oldies?
What a nerve ;-[)
Hi Ag, well I love Marmite, but we can't get Vegemite over here so I can't say if I like it or not. I am surprised to hear it tastes different to Marmite though, I always assumed they would taste almost exactly the same as each other.
Certainly with Marmite I like it on toast, but first I spread a thin layer of cream cheese such as Philadelphia, before covering with a tiny smear of Marmite. I tastes great so perhaps you would try it with Vegemite too.
By the way, I so remember that Men at Work song "Down Under". It was brilliant and my Mum even bought the record as her Brother lived in Australia at the time. The video was good too :)
Nice hub on a revolting subject. I once had the misfortune of tasting this stuff...and I imagine it is similar to licking the bottom of the Dead Sea. *GAG*
:)
I haven't-- but I understand it is an acquired taste.
PS if it was me that called you oldies-- it's ok, I'm older than both of you--but still young.
I have never had the chance to taste vegemite, and probably would not try it if I had the chance. It doesn't sound like anything i would like to eat. I'll stick to malt-o-meal and toast, and if I could I would try sultanas though.
sounds ok I guess, but I have never heard of vegimite or marmite...I will take your word for it though...loved the story about it and wouldn't you know KRAFT didn't like it...well their first name I mean...loved the history of the memorabilia..Nice hub my dear Thanks...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Hi Misty, I'm sure you would love Vegemite, I've dedicated a slice of Phillymite to you in an image up top go peek!!
I think some Americans were not too happy with "Down Under" cos that was our theme song when we won the Americas Cup. Go Aussies!!!
Oldies Huh! I 'm not old I uh uh oh forget it!
Top hub as usual. As a local I have eaten it since I was knee high to a grasshopper but I fear it may well be an aquired taste. I had to tie up my American English and Scottish friends to get them to eat it.
They all had a bit of trouble with the fact that it is black!
The general flow of opinion was that it may kill them, that it's taste followed the views you have expressed above, eg dogs droppings etc. The comment made me wonder about others aquiring local taste. The scotts eat haggish, the English kipper and I once ate something in New York I have subconciously forgotten the name of with good reason.
It is an Australian icon! I love watching people's faces when they tried it for the first time!
G'day hubber-2009 thanks for th comment on Vegemite, you are correct I've seen faces like your avatar image when they taste it for the first time???? :[)
Hmm. I think I'll stick to biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. With a side of bacon, of course.
They sell this stuff in a market near my house in the States. I'm with B.T., though. I'm sticking to gravy and bacon.
Love vegemite.
Hey Mr Evil Pants and rockinjoe you guys are my hero's and I really thought you would be adventurous enough to at least try Vegemite. It adds a really nice flavour to the gravy and bacon. Just don't overdo it.
Thanks for dropping by!
For what it's worth, I DO like Men At Work. Or...I used to. But as far as brewers yeast goes, I prefer to drink it.
Thanks for dropping in Writer Rider, its good to see you love Vegemite, I would be interested to hear how you enjoy eating your Vegemite.
And being a fellow happy little Vegemite I'm going to become a fan, for sure!
I like it on toast with butter, of course, a tomato, and cheese. Yummy! I'm going to get some now!
BT man, I as you might say, just liked Men at Work, I much preffered the other Aussie band "The Little River Band" and "Air Supply"
You guys brought us The Little River Band and Air Supply, then you went and sent the Wiggles over here, and totally blew it. Thanks for that!
Well Writer Rider, you are a mystery girl, you sure you are not an Aussie chick in disguise?
"I like it on toast with butter, of course, a tomato, and cheese. Yummy! I'm going to get some now!"
You have talked me into having some for lunch myself!
B.T. I could not agree with you more. I get a real cringe up when I see grown men in coloured T-shirts dancing around in front of kids!
On the other hand though the kids do love em! and they are on the Highest paid list of entertainers in OZ. Go figure!
So that's how they can afford that big red car!
not to mention the Feathersword?
I'd prefer not to mention the Feathersword. Given the choice between watching the Wiggles, and a Vegemite sandwich, I just might give the Vegemite a go!
As Maxwell would say I asked you not to mention the feathersword?
I have just finished my lunch of a Vegemite sandwich on fresh bread and butter.
If I may be so bold and suggest that if you are going to try Vegemite for the first time, when you first remove the lid close you eyes and sniff!
You will get the distinct feeling you are inside a really old brewery.
Swmbo has decreed we must be away to do some Christmas present buying, so catch you later.
Hey there Ag, long time no talk to. I read with fascination your hub on Vegemite, which I admit I am a Vegemite Virgin (and plan to stay that way). I cannot abide the smell of fermentation by=products as they remind me of the science lab. Ew.
Thank you for the reminder of Men at Work, who I do like. And for clearing up the confusion about Australia's national anthem. I'm giving this hub a thumbs up. And... I cannot believe this, but I had never officially joined your fan club, so consider me joined. Just don't expect me to break any buttered bread with Vegemite with you, mate!
I don't think I'll be popping my vegemite cherry anytime soon, agvulpes, but I really enjoyed the hub. The photos and your description are really disgusting.
And yeah, The Little River Band was awesome. Men at Work is now down to one member, I hear, so it's actually Man@Work, I guess.
I'll try Vegemite when Paul Hogan makes a good movie.
Agvulpes, my mother's parents are from Australia but she was also risen in Fiji so I grew of on vegimite, though I was risen in the U.S. Yes, my family are globetrotters.
MM always a pleasure, I guess we all have to be a Virgin about something, right, and just the mention of Science Labs make me break out in a sweat. Remember that rotten egg smell. Yusch!!!
I do agree that Vegemite and bread would not be the ideal way to consumate a friendship. Maybe some candlelight and a nice chianti. There I go flirting again. Oh well a guy can still dream can't he?
btw MM is that your young bloke in your avatar? Lovely photo!
rockinjoe that was Paul Who? Oh, Paul Hogan we prefer not to talk about him, you know cultural cringe and all that. I think he's gone back to his day job of painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge! So I think your challenge is safe, although you don't know what you are missing. So if the band is down to "Man @ Work" is it still technically a band or a solo act?
I think Vegemite and Marmite taste almost exactly the same, and I love them both.
I was in Australia a year ago, and smuggled back a huge glass jar and a squeeze-tube of the stuff. A year later, I still have plenty.
It's great-tasting on toast, and makes an excellent stock for cooking. LOVE IT!
livelonger thanks for dropping by and the nice comment.
I didn't realise it was an offence to smuggle Vegemite, I suppose it could be a WOMD if taken in excess . *LOL*
Its good to know we have at least one convert, but I much prefer the taste of Vegemite to Marmite, I think it is a little more salty. Yes it adds a great flavour to the cooking, especially stews !
I have tried it, but I am not a fan. I really like the video Down Under though :).
Thanks for your comment SweetiePie, I guess if everyone liked Vegemite there would be a shortage and I might not be able to get any. It's hard to find anyone that did not like "Down Under".
I learnt something new today. I guess it doesn't seem so appetizing and I would settle for my Toblerone chocolates from you anyday. Great hub and nice comments.
Hi countrywomen, as I've always said "there is a time and a place for everything", and as much as I like Vegemite, I would not even consider giving it to a beautiful woman.
Now let me think for a bit, what could I give a beautiful lady that would convey how I felt, Hmmmm. I know a box of Toblerone Chocolates, now where did that idea come from?
Thank you for your very kind comments.
Well you really are a "mind reader" and flattery will get you anywhere. I guess it is one of those acquired tastes. But still the color and the description doesn't seem appetizing. And here I was thinking sultana raisins is the most famous Australian food product...hehe
Now countrywoman you have opened up a whole new taste bud. Vegemite is for the salty tangy taste. If you are looking for something a little sweeter say that may go with a nice sparkling something or other.
You should try our "chocolate (preferrably dark)coated fresh sultanas. If they are not available a good fallback is the good old aussie "Tim Tam" biscuits.
btw our rose garden has come out very nicely this year despite the drought!
WOW!! That's so great to hear. I love roses and just can't have enough of them. One day I hope I have a garden with a variety of roses. Btw I do like salty things like Cheetos or salt biscuits. That Tim Tam also seems appetizing besides the obvious raisin chocolates. I guess you should do a hub about the best Australian foods for ignorant people like me. I am sure lots of people would be keen to know about Australian Specialties.
You surely have heard about our "Four and Twenty Meat Pies"?, and our Pavlovas?
And what about our Dim Sims? Now there is a variety of tastes for you, I would not suggest you eat them all at the same time!
Don't worry I won't I am on a diet but I do make exceptions for Toblerone though. Btw I just made a request which you can check out http://hubpages.com/request/9077/best?new
Hi Ag,
I love vegemite, though it's not sold everywhere here. I find a spoonful stirred in with quorn mince when making a vege lasagne adds a certain je n'est sais quoi!
The Down Under clip was great. I hadn't heard that in ages. was that a coffin they were carrying at the end of the clip? Most odd!
Hi Amanda, I just love it when you talk dirty. "quorn mince" wow !
and that certain "je n'est sais quoi" that you so nonchalantly throw into the conversation. Ah well back to the subject at hand.
I'm glad you like Vegemite, I believe it has a completely different taste to your Marmite. Yes?
I don't think it was a coffin? although it could have been.
I think it was more than likely a trunk that muso's carry their gear around in, when that clip was made it was probably done on the cheap.
Vegemite is sooooo much different to Marmite (YUk). Having lived originally in Sydney Aust was brought up on Vegemite. Now in the UK you can get Vegemite her but I think it is a little different to the aussie version (or maybe my memory is just going)
G'day backchat, thanks for dropping in and commenting. It's good to see our happy little Vegemites are spreading out all around the world.
I'm not too sure if Vegemite is made in Australia and exported all over, or if there is local manufacture in other countries.
Hi AG I love Vegemite and this is a great hub - I am a definite vegemite fan - have it for breakfast nearly everyday....Just to throw my sixpenniworth into your hub - Kraft made vegemite for many years but then wasn't Kraft bought by an American firm in the 70's or the 80's? so our great icon is now foreign owned but still manufactured in Australia for us - but wouldn't the vegemite being made in the US for the US market still follow the same recipe although with using US ingredients the flavour could possibly, slightly alter somehow ... just a thought....
the other thing I find interesting is in the naming of these two products - Vegemite and Marmite - VEGemite is made from supposedly (although because you have researched it better than me so you may have a different theory) meat extract while MARMite is supposedly made from vegetable extract - I really really like vegemite but I am not a fan of Marmite.
Like your Christmas look - very jolly..... Have a great one to you and yours...
ps I grew up in Melbourne & I remember visiting the Kraft Food factory when I was young and it really ponged from the combined manufacture of the plastic cheese, the caramel plus all that gorgeous vegemite....
well as a vegemite-o-phile I have to apologise to you AG but I was plain wrong, - What I was told by my elders as I grew up was incorrect - just checked out your site link and there it is in black and white "Following months of laboratory tests, Dr. Cyril P Callister, who became the nation’s leading food technologist of the 1920s and 30s developed a tasty spreadable paste. ............It came in a two ounce (57g) amber glass jar capped with a Phoenix seal with the label "Pure Vegetable Extract".
Now I am going to the Marmite site to check that out and 'phew this time I was correct, - seems that Marmite was born from the same type of parents in 1902 and " was popular with vegetarians as a meat-free alternative to beef extract products such as Bovril," cheers
Hi annie thanks for dropping in. Mate,back at ya with the greetings.
From my research I'm pretty sure that Marmite and Vegemite are both from yeast extracts.
All my research shows that Kraft food company brought the Vegemite brand in or about the 1920s check out this link:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraft_Foods#History
I did some work at the Kraft factory when I worked for IBM, and your a right about the pong. Peeeu,
Our posts crossed, I had a 1hour break half way through because Santa arrived on the back of a Fire Truck. Anyone reading this we do not have reindeers in OZ just Fire Trucks!
Good work on the research. :-[)
Hey, ag! I love the festive garb, and it's nice to see the fox is back.
G'day mate, you know what THEY say "you can't keep a good fox down" although many have tried, in more ways than one.
Thanks for the compliment, as you know I'm way to cool to dress like that.
I thought I would give the typist his day in the sun do you think he may have overdressed?
Zut alors mon petit reynaud! (Just thought I'd excite you with a little more of that raunchy French lingo!) J'aime le joli chapeau!
Amanda you really know how to get an old fox going. I am utterly speechless, especially when I'm in the French mode.
btw am I your small royal fox or your small french prime minister?. I'll go with the fox!
and that's not me wearing the jolly old hat. Would not be seen dead in that one.
I'm way to cool, just ask me I'll tell you?
I love baba ganoush, but many people in Southern California make a face when I tell them I like this dish. I also love Mexican, Chinese, and Italian food, so my tastes are pretty eclectic. Here most people seem to love hamburgers and McDonalds, but I do not fit into that catergory LOL. So I am sure there are a few who do not like vegemite :).
Hi sweetiepie, I do not know what baba ganoush is made from, perhaps you could let me know? I do like Chinese Mexican and Italian food as well. I wonder if you have tried the Dim Sims I mention on my other Hub
http://hubpages.com/hub/Australian-Food-Specialiti
Thanks for dropping by.
Baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern dish that is made of roasted egg plant and pita bread is used to scoup it up with. I will check out your other hub. I love Dim Sim by also :).
Thanks SweetiePie, I have never tried egg plant, but we do eat a bit of pita bread, I make a sort of I think it might be called eggs benedict. I put the pita bread softened with butter in a muffin dish, break the egg into it put some ham and tomato,parsley on top, bake in oven until cooked. Very nice!
Ahh vegemite! I was raised on this nectar of the gods. I can still remember 'way' back to before I started school, eating vegemite straight from the jar with a spoon. My mother used to make me the most delicious drinks from vegemite and yes, I still enjoy them. Just love vegemite on pikelets and scones too and in fact just about anything.
Now doesn't that advert. bring back memories lol. I'll be honest, I used to sing along with it too, knew every single word.
I have a Kraft Vegemite cook book too that was given to me many years ago and absolutely treasure it.
Long live vegemite!
Sheltie thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment , you do seem to be about the same vintage? as myself.
I would like to hear more from you if possible.
Thanks again!
Yes I'm possibly around the same 'vintage' - just love that term.
As I said, I was raised on vegemite, ate it literally by the spoonful when a child and yes, still do.
I lived in Canada for a time and took over a very large tin of it which amused my friends no end, more so after they tried it and thought it tasted revolting. I had to remind them that this wasn't purely Aussie but had a bit of Canadian in it's heritage as well.
By the time I left I had many hooked on it and in particular the drink.
They tried such things as:
Sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, cheese and vegemiteVegemite spread on toast covered with eggsSpread on scones and pikelets/pancakesAdded to stews and casserolesAlso to quiches and on pita bread for dipsI also add it to gravy as wellThere's so many things that just go hand in hand with vegemite.
The vegemite cook book I have was published in 1992 and carries a lot of history about the product as well.
Here's a link to show you the cover:http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/Kiesta/Vege
Vegemite, blue cheese, jams under threat due to salt, fat, sugar content!
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24886487-5000
This is so totally wrong! Vegemite is one of our national foods - how dare they even consider it.
I could name any number of products on supermarkets shelves that should be removed instead of our beloved Vegemite.
Sheltie thanks for the heads up on the News story, fortunately for us our acting? prime minister Ms Gillard is a big fan of Vegemite and will not allowed it to be banned. However there will possibly be a tax levied on all salty foods.
How that will help I have no idea!
Thanks and cheers.
Thanks. Just heard the news myself but to put added tax on this is something I'm not happy about. What about certain soft drinks such as V that has a limit rating on it - this shouldn't even be available in supermarkets where kids can by any number they want. But to add extra tax to salty foods - isn't this taking away our rights as adults to buy what we want?
I agree with you completely , we have a government that seems intent on putting a tax on anything that doesn't move to pay for their spending over the last bail out period. So why not let Kraft food contribute through the consumer ?
I start to wonder if the Government actually knows what they're doing these days.
Hi Shelti, it looks like our Prime Minister Elmer Fudd, sorry Kevin Rudd has gone missing again! and our treasurer Donald Duck , sorry Wayne Swann is nowhere to be seen. So our venerable bobbing bird DPM , Julia Gillard is left holding the baby!
or should that be Pensioner?
btw is that your aeroplane in your avatar image. I must say it is a very nice looking chassis!
I think you had it right the first time with "Elmer Fudd" or should that be "Kevin Dudd"?
As much as I'd love to say that was my aeroplane it's not. Just me posing in front of it although I do hold a current licence.
Nice hub!
Thanks for dropping in nancy!
Oh my... Sounds like a love of Vegemite could be a requirement for living in Australia. 'Scuse me while I go toss *that* visa app! ;D
Oh JamaGenee you look like the sort of girl that would try "anything", am I right?
You won't let a little thing like Vegemite come between you and me oops.... ( I mean Australia). Now please come over! We need the money!
Jamma , Thanks for dropping by ;-[)
Great stuff, I'm a happpy little vegemite
This one made me laugh...I had never heard of Vegemite before traveling to England last May. A coworker I traveled with was on a mission to find it and bring back as much as she could for a friend. We all tried it and, unfortunately, were not fans. I laugh because we had trouble finding it in a jar, so, when we spotted it on a breakfast buffet, we filled our purses. Not something I would typically do...crazy Americans! :)
G'day lindsay great to see you here on one of my Hubs.
As a newbie to Vegemite you have to be carefull what you put it on. to start just try it on some nice warm buttered toast. Not too much mind. Just a slight spread.
Then work up to soft fresh warm buttered bread. I'm sure given a chance you would acquire the taste.
btw. Not so crazy, we collect all those little soap sachets from the motels. Our grand daughter keeps them as a memory of where we have been.
They say that to copy something is the best form of flattery, and that is just what Vegimite is a copy of Marmite, the true story is that Marmite was sent out to Australia from very early on and at some stage there was a shortage of Marmite , so a butcher in Melbourne decided to try and copy it , which he did and then Kraft got hold of it , and the rest as they say is history. Marmite has been around for about 150 years or more. For people to say Vegimite tastes different to Marmite is totally stupid they have the same taste.
Hi Keith nice to hear your "rumour". What you are saying can only be put down as a rumour because you do not produce one skerrick of information to substantiate your rather bombastic statement.
If you cannot taste the difference between Marmite and Vegemite I suggest you might consider having your taste buds revitalised.
Mate, Drop in any time you like, I love a chat!
Peter, I now know more about Vegemite than I ever expected or imagined I would! I once was given a taste of Marmite in England some 35 years ago and did not find it to my liking but am willing to try either version again these many eons later.
I'm a huge fan of Maggie Beer and have a beautiful cookbook of hers that someone brought back from Oz. Both her food and her homestead look like heaven to me!
I like vegemite but prefer Marmite. Marmite or vergmeite on cheese sandwiches are one of my all time favs. But cheese and vegemite spread? hhhmmm not sure about that one! I enjoyed reading the history, thanks :)
Hi debnet thanks for dropping by and adding to the discussion.
I myself would have at least one lunch a week that consisted of cheese and vegemite, either on fresh bread or toasted.
I haven't tried the new spread as yet , it is not in the shops. I don't think it even has a name.
Thanks again for your kind comment. :-)
You are spot on 'Keith 42' MARMITE was the first yeast spread made, and we all know that ORIGINAL is the best ...don't we!. I took marmite sandwiches to work 70 years ago and it definately has the edge on anything concocted since!!
Maurie you just shot 'Keith 42' and yourself's arguement down with your own Comment. Have a read of what you wrote mate.
"I took marmite sandwiches to work 70 years ago and it definately has the edge on anything concocted since!!"
so according to you they taste different and can't therefore be the same can they ?
LOL Thanks Maurie for you input . ;-)
Vegemite & Marmite ... What The??? They most definitely taste different. I love Marmite, grew up on it in South Africa. I don't mind Vegemite but my 7 year old son loves it. About 11 years ago a friend in London introduced Vegemite to me with Philly cheese spread. I thought gross ... but I absolutley LOVED it. Today I bought the new Name Me (Vegemite & Cheese in a Jar) spread and LOVE IT. Thanks for a good hub!
keejorkyl,
Thanks for your great comment. I have tried the new spread and i'm still undecided as yet but I'm leaning towards liking it. You cant beat Vegemite and Philly Cheese Spread . I love it .
As a student from Fairfield High school i have been given an assignment about food products Mnaufactured in Australia/ by an Australian company. I would just like to ask:
1. What Manufacturing equipments Have been used to produce Vegemite?
2. What technologies have been used to by the company in the production of Vegemite.
3. How have individuals and groups' food selection patterns influence the development of Vegemite?
4.What are the sensory characteristics of Vegemite and how has this led to the development of Vegemite?
Please reply ASAP via email: clb_kakia@hotmail.com
Thank you :)
That was one richly informative hub! Great job!
hello, Ive have eaten vegiemite for 32 yrs now, ive given to my three kids and im sure they'll feed to their kids. It is a acquired taste but a yum one indeed. Gr8 thread. GO VEGEMITE
Fee , thanks very much for you endorsement of Vegemite.
UPDATE::: the new name for the new spread has been released.
see the top of the page for the announcement.
Fascinating. This hub should come with tasting samples. :)
Raven nice to see you here :-) I'm afraid all of the tasting samples have gone. But check back I'm sure Kraft will cook up another batch lol
I'm a Kiwi... As you know We Are Marmite Supporters Unlike the neversaydie Oz Vegitamite toast killers. What really is hard case, is the number of blues that have come about throughout the years over this Marmite/Vegemite fanatical spread debate. Subjectively-wise, however, I believe it is only 3rd to the origins of OUR Pavs and OUR Phar Lap... Have a Great Xmas and a New Year Marmite. Take Care.
Pearldiver you must be a good fisherman LOL.
I will concede as will most Aussies that Phar Lap was born and bred in NZ. But until the time he came to Australia I believe he was just a big horse that could run a bit. LOL
It was a bloody shame what they did to that poor horse and all for the sake of money.
Pearldiver, I hope you and yours have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year. Not too much VB ok lol
Great hub! I like your presentation style! I tried vegemite in New Zealand once. I was at a table with a bunch of Aussies that loved the stuff, so I tried it on some toast and ate it all, but I had to realy concentrate to keep the gag reflex at bay!
kea, thank you for dropping by and leaving a nice comment.
I have heard a few reactions to Vegemite like yours but after a while the taste for Vegemite does become addictive!
as a matter of fact only yesterday my wife and I had Vegemite sandwiches for our lunch. You should try it with cheese it is delicious. :-)
As I said all those months ago read Wickapedia on the beginings of vegamite. Marmite was always sent to the Colonies (Australia) from 1902 up until the first world war, and it bacame a shortage , and being very popular Fred Walker the butcher called in a chemist to annalize what was in Marmite, so as he could make a substitute, which he did and you newer Ausies think that you invented Vegermite. Look at the first attempt to market it , you even called it Parwill as a pun on Marmite !!(this is all in the history of Vegermite)If you ever try the English Marmite you will find it is diferent to the one we get in Australia, as it comes from New Zealand, who brew there beer the same as in Australia. The Original Marmite comes from the Burton on Trent area in England were the spent yeast is different to your Lager type beers, the English beer is a traditional Ale
I brought back with me last year English Marmite, and enjoyed every minute of it until it ran out, you Ausies should try the real thing !!I must adnmit the new vegermite cheesy one is great!! so I am not being one sided.
kdraper42, am I right in thinking that you may be 'keith42'? thanks for your great comment :-)
You seem to have asked and answered your own question and proved once again my point that Marmite and Vegemite are not the same taste.
If you read the Hub above you will see that I have said that the original name was 'Parwill'
btw I never take what Wikipedia says as gospel truth!
Thanks for not being one sided about the tastes. :-)
you Ausies seem to think that you invented Vegymite,you actually copied it from Marmite!! , like it or not, you first called it pawil, a play on words, and when it didnt catch on you then you added the ite in the end of the word. you copied it down to the last wordHow you can say that vegimite is an Australian invention . you have to have rocks in your heads. Just look it up on Wickapaedia, to find out the truth.You Ausiies think that you have invented evrything !!
Thanks algvulpes glad to see that you can admit that marmite was he original yeast paste, and that vegimite was a good copy of it, just look it up in history, you will find out that it was invented in ENGLAND, as is all of Australian history and the early discoverers and explorers, where English pioneers.
hey keith D, welcome back to add some more Vegemite to the sandwich! You are starting to sound like a broken record.
If you look up Wikipedia (I'll put a link in so you don't lose your way with you misspelling) you will see the full and correct history , not your convoluted version. (btw Wikipedia has been known to be wrong!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite
Perhaps when I get the rocks out of my head you may remove the Kiwi feathers from you eyes and stop hanging s**t on everything Australian.
If a country is good enough to live in it's good enough to support!
keith42, nice to see you back with your other hat on today!
I have never said that Marmite was not invented before Vegemite and it is nice to see you admit that Vegemite is a 'good' copy of marmite!
Thanks for the History lesson but maybe you had better go back to your history books and see that all of our Australian History does indeed not come from the English pioneers. Now just were did I put my chain cutters?
Mate. Thanks for dropping by again :-)
I have always wondered what the heck Men At Work were talking about when I listened to the song. LOL!!! I'd like to try it, is it just brewers yeast? Or are there other wonderful and disgusting things in it, like veggies?
Thanks for a blast from the past. I remember dancing and singing along to this song when I was only 3 years old HAHA!!! I'm gonna do it again right now ;D
So now you know. I have just had Vegemite for lunch spread on a buttered dry biscuit!
It may not be a good thing to know what else is in Vegemite lol
Controversy has arisen about the song as someone has claimed 'copyright' to the music and there is a court case coming up soon about this very thing!
I grew up listening to "we love our vegemite - we adore our vegemite - we are the vegemite kids". There isn't a better way to have toast IMHO then butter and vegemite. The Vege 2.0 and then chessybites isn't bad I think I prefer the original though :) Rating the hub awesome as it should be!
Thanks for droppin' in and leaving a great comment! I would really love to hear the story of where you grew up listening to:
"we love our Vegemite - we adore our Vegemite - we are the Vegemite kids".
I thought that it would have only been played here in OZ?
I'm with you on the Cheesybite taste I will stick to the original for a while yet!
Thanks for the 'awesome' rating I really appreciate the support!
I was born in OZ :) Apparently I only ate vegemite and bananas and drank a ton of milk as a little fella! The doctor wasn't worried apparently. Vegemite is so full of vitamin B and other minerals.
Wow Vegemite bananas and good ol' Aussie milk!
Say no more the perfect diet for a growin' body :-)
How old were you when you left our great country?
Very good. Im a traditionalist. I know theres salt in the original vegemite. I do think the new reduced salt for young ones is fantastic. For me though, its the traditional vegemite on toast morning noon or night.
Not even taken by the vegemite and cheese. I like vegemite and lettuce sandwiches, they were my favorite when I was little, as long as the lettuce was dry as otherwise the bread got soggy.
G'day salt thanks for droppin by :-) I'm sure with you on being a traditionalist! I guess it is a generational 'thing'? The young'uns of today will acquire the taste for the reduced 'salt' feature of the new Vegemite and the tradition will continue. lol
Yep with you also on the Vegemite and toast, anytime of the day is fine. Toast must be as warm as possible with the butter melting?
Hmm I've never actually tried the lettuce/Vegemite sandwich, I will take it under advisement as they say lol
Have you tried Vegemite on Celery? With a bit of Tasty cheese added! Now that is an acquired taste for you!
While I've never tasted Vegemite, I did see a jar once. But since the closest I've come to the "Land Down Under" is listening to Men at Work, that's probably pretty good.
LOL @Doug mate I have heard some people say that just seeing a jar of Vegemite can be dangerous to your health :)
"Land Down Under" sure is a great song and is often used as an unofficial theme song for Aussie teams when they go abroad.
copyright
The brand names Kraft and Vegemite are owned by the Kraft Food Company
sixtyorso Level 1 Commenter 3 years ago
Hi Ag I have never tasted Vegemite but I would assume that it is pretty similiar to Marmite? Even the way you suggest using it are best for Marmite.
Very interesting and informative hub. You like, Johnny Walker as still going strong, after eating it for 70 plus years! Cant be too much wrong with it