Food Encyclopedia

Marmite

The brand name of a British yeast extract product created in 1902, the same year as the coronation of Edward VII. Now owned by CPC (United Kingdom), Marmite is a dark brown, concentrated paste with a flavor that's assertively salty (though less so than its Australian cousin vegemite) with a slightly sweet undertaste. It's one of the UK's most popular spreads (indeed, much of Britain has been raised on it) and is used for everything from morning toast to sandwiches to flavoring soups and stews. There are also Marmite cubes. Marmite can be found in some specialty gourmet stores and is available through mail order.