by Faith H.
Member since:
November 17, 2005

My Vegemite Report

December 01, 2007 02:12 PM EST (Updated: December 01, 2007 02:14 PM EST)
views: 94 | comments: 66

 

    My dear Australian friend Magi (magi.gather.com) has been on a mission to convert the Gather world to Vegemite since the day he signed on.  Many of his articles have extolled the healing qualities of that magic substance consumed, it seems, by the entire continent of Australia.  This, incredibly enough, is the substance which fuels the nation. 

     Ever the skeptic myself, I felt something the rest of the sane world avoided like the plague surely must be the nasty compound it seemed.  It is, after all, subtitled "concentrated yeast extract"...that, friends, is what it is made of, entirely.  Yeast.  Yum.  Yeah.  There is some malt extract but I thought that stuff only made good beer better.  And salt, seemingly lots and lots of salt.

     A few weeks ago, Magi shipped Bob (elizabeth e.) and I packages for Christmas that included a lifetime supply of Vegemite (2 tubes).  Bob received hers in short order, considering it had to travel all the way from Perth, W.A.  She did the first taste test and reported feeling quite invigorated.  My package took its sweet time, since with all the stamps and warnings and FDA approvals caused quite the stir at the local P.O.  I'm quite sure my name and Magi's are now on some very high level FBI lists for importing controlled substances.   My gift arrived last night.

     I had to wait until lunch today to taste this exotic treat.  I've been doing a low carb thing (lost 17 pounds, thank you very much) and had no bread until I went to the store this morning.  So I toasted, spread a thin film as advised and.....tasted.   It's not half bad!  Salty, as I expected and quite tasty, really.  I don't have much of a sweet tooth anyway, and while I don't expect to make this a regular part of my diet, I think the stuff is ... almost.... good!  Thanks, Magi!

 
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 66

Vicky Duggins Dec 1, 2007, 2:17pm EST
I thought it tasted like fermented fish poop. I was told by my Aussie friend that you have to start eating it as a baby to acquire the taste. I believe it.
Kathryn E. Dec 1, 2007, 2:19pm EST
Well, good for you, Faith.

I had the opportunity and pleasure! of tasting Vegemite in 1986 when my boss left for Sydney's more relaxed luncheons - as in wet lunches.

Well........have not had a munch of it since. But maybe I'll pick some up at a store...
Dannielle S. Dec 1, 2007, 2:21pm EST
Faith, have you ever tasted tapenade? Could vegemite compare to that? How about caviar? -- any "fishiness" of that sort?

Is there a familiar food or combination of flavors you might use for comparison?
flit . Dec 1, 2007, 2:27pm EST
I didn't mind it when I had the opportunity to taste it... not something I'd send away for though
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 2:28pm EST
Vicki, I didn't sense the fish poop part.
Kathryn, I don't think the stuff is available in the U.S., hence the long distance gift. Maybe Marmite is a close second.

Dannielle, yes, I've had tapenade and caviar... not the same. This stuff is pretty heavy duty YEAST... you know, when you start a homemade bread and mix that grainy yeast into warm water? Fragrant, no? Concentrate that fragrance 110 %. It is potent!
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 2:31pm EST
flit, I would imagine if it were a regular food from childhood it would be quite palatable.
Dannielle S. Dec 1, 2007, 2:33pm EST
Hm. Yeast -- which is why I wonder if I'd try it on toast. Bread-on-bread sandwich.
Debbie G. Dec 1, 2007, 2:41pm EST
Not me, can't do it. It smells like liquid iron which I had to take throughout childhood.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 1, 2007, 2:41pm EST
Faith - Marmite is nothing at all like Vegemite. I tried to make do with that because it was the only thing I could find in this country but it is no substitute. I was so grateful when online shopping became all the rage and now purchase my Vegemite that way. I don't think there is anything comparable to Vegemite unless you ask Deb and she will say that it reminds her of an iron supplement she had to take when she was a kid.

And don't think that Vegemite is a spread only. It is marvelous added to soups and stews. I'm tickled that you had a chance to try that Aussie staple.
Debbie G. Dec 1, 2007, 2:45pm EST
Tonia gets this stuff in big jars. Huge. Big as the house almost and scary jars. (That might be a exaggeration)
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 1, 2007, 2:45pm EST
Umm, Deb, yes that would be an exaggeration :-)
Tom C. Dec 1, 2007, 3:15pm EST
Tried Vegemite years ago as a gift from a friend....er, ex-friend. LOL.
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 3:39pm EST
Tonia! Thank you for those helpful hints re: adding to soups and stews. I think that is an agreeable way to use the vegemite. Sort of a hoisin sauce for the food challenged, no?
Brenda, I'm quite sure the sale of vegemite is ...ummm...controlled here in the US.

Tom, I'm hoping the friendship did not end over such a small issue as vegemite?
Katrina Hall Dec 1, 2007, 3:54pm EST
Sounds intriguing...sort of like chewing on a B-complex vitamin, maybe? But hey - it's good for you, right?
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 4:11pm EST
John, what brings you to the yummy goo? Some aussie connection there?

Katrina, yes! I've taken the odd B-12 capsule whenever I needed extra energy, so perhaps just licking some yummy goo will do the same.
Tom C. Dec 1, 2007, 4:44pm EST
Faith - I was kidding - it was my brother-in-law; I couldn't get rid of him if I wanted to. :-)
anna vee Dec 1, 2007, 5:15pm EST
I avoid salt.
Want to eat my share?
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 5:19pm EST
Tom, yeah, you have to keep the family...!

anna, me too, that's why it seems so very salty to me.
Bart H. Dec 1, 2007, 5:33pm EST
yeast on bread.....
kind of like that
meat and dairy
parent and child
(chicken and egg)
thing, no?

But just mention yeast
and I am THERE!
Madame Donna C. Dec 1, 2007, 5:36pm EST
The world is so full of flavor! Endless, ain't it?
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 5:36pm EST
Bart, you can have the other life time supply tube; a little, it seems, goes a loooong way.
Ah, Faith, the photo proves you did try it! Now you, too, will be faster than a speeding bullet, stronger than an express train and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. And then there will be lots of Vegemite-empowered poems and articles...even a series such as Tales in the Heat of the Night from Deliverance in Alabama and....

Enjoy, my friend, enjoy and be a happy little Vegemite.

Vegemite Correspondent 
Faith H. Dec 1, 2007, 6:28pm EST
Magi! I am ... almost...empowered! I feel smarter and prettier and, and...oh, wait, I think I need some more.
elizabeth e. Dec 1, 2007, 6:53pm EST
Oh you guys...I think this is just so funny...I will not say what Papa said about my gift from the magi. Yes, Deb, the smell is like concentrated iron...that's it. When I tried to explain it to magi...all I could think of to say it was like smelling vitamins. Now I know the smell. Well, now I've had it three times...twice as toast and once with tomato and cheese toasted. I keep telling myself (1) it has lots of B vitamins; (2)if I ever go to Australia and get lost out in the bush and run into a kangaroo with a sack of vegemite, I will be home free...cause they say, you get addicted to it if you eat it all the time.
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 1, 2007, 7:48pm EST
Bob - tell Papa to put it in soups - he'll love it! And I do that all the time and Deb never knows the difference - sshhhh. My father's favorite way to eat vegemite is on a sandwich with sprouts, onion, cheese and tomato. It's very good!
Tonia, who hugs trees G. Dec 1, 2007, 8:51pm EST
Lyndon - funny you should ask that - here is a link with the story.
Duckie 1 Dec 2, 2007, 12:53am EST
I KNOW Vegenite is available in the US. I saw some jars of it in the Filipino store I frequent. I looked at it twice to be sure. I asked the owner why Vegemite is in his store and he said a lot of Filipinos LOVE the stuff and buy it from him.

I guess the Philippines is so close to Oz, people vacationing there bring it back to the islands and must still gotta-have-some even when they end up living in the US!

Well, this duck ain't quite that hungry or adventurous ... yet.
Jennifer F. Dec 2, 2007, 1:58am EST
You were so brave to try it! Now I'm going to be looking for this stuff in all the stores I frequent - just to see if it's in our area.
Barbary Chaapel Dec 2, 2007, 2:02am EST
This must be comparable to us eating peanut butter?

Thanks for explaining vegemite - now I know a little more about it.
Carolyn Madden Dec 2, 2007, 6:00am EST
*wipes tear from eye* This is a very emotional time for us here in Orstralia, seeing you fine American people finally within reach of true health and happiness. Faith, I am so proud of you and delighted that you have entered this new stronger, wiser phase of your life..

Tonia very sensibly linked us to an authorised history of vegemite, however in the interest of shameless self-promotion I will link you now to my more accurate, definitive story of vegemite in the hope of broadening the international understanding of this remarkable foodstuff.
Faith H. Dec 2, 2007, 8:38am EST
Duckie, that is interesting that the Phillipino stores would have vegemite!

Jennifer, you ought to give a try, I imagine there are more exotic foodstuffs available in southern California than south Alabama.

Barbary, I think peanut butter is more palatable but less nutricious.

marianne, nice to hear your endorsement of vegemite.

Awww, Carolyn, thank you for the link to your priceless and perfect article on vegemite. This one is not to be missed for those of you in need of a complete education.
Granny Janny H. Dec 2, 2007, 2:47pm EST
Vegemite might be
Good with cream cheese and bagel
Or maybe might not
Faith H. Dec 2, 2007, 5:01pm EST
Jan, that sounds like a good idea.
Pat M. Dec 2, 2007, 10:28pm EST
Good on ya Faith. There's nothing like a tube of concentrated yeast extract to make you feel good about any other food you have to eat.

BTW I have been chuckling at some of the Yankee bemusement with Vegemite in this thread, since I only recently learned what constituted the uniquely American S'Mores I had heard so much about.
Faith, Bob and Tonya, you need more Vegemite. That is the meaning of life: eat more Vegemite to find true love and romance and...

Here, try this toasted sandwich for size...from Carolyn and me.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
jessie voigts Dec 3, 2007, 9:55am EST
faith - are you sure it wasn't just a high blood pressure moment?? haha. i've had vegemite. yep. good for magi, for sending it! notice on his photo, right above this comment, that it is spread thinly....:) that is so cool, the global exchange and friendship. yahoo!
Mariana T. Dec 3, 2007, 5:14pm EST
Miz Faith - I've not had the pleasure of trying this delicacy - can it be purchased in the States? If it tastes at all fishy, it's not for me...Ok well maybe I need to find out what this stuff is really all about - but just because it's good for some folks doesn't mean it's good for others...
Congratulations for losing 17 pounds - how did you do it and how long did it take? I want to lose 20 but am waiting until after the holiday when I'll have something to really complain about...Good Article! Salud.
Faith H. Dec 3, 2007, 8:28pm EST
Pat, I'm practically singing "Tie me kangaroo down..." Thanks!

Magi, Tonia is already a certified Vegemite consumer. You are preaching to the choir there.

Jessie, just think how strong and smart Lillie would be with vegemite! Wait, she already is...don't mess with success.

Mariana, bless you, this is more than you want to taste. I did a modified South Beach, started August 19th, with a real strict start, but then gradually added some carbs after three weeks. My daughter got married November 9th and I wanted to be lean and mean, and I was! Now, I'm still avoiding the carbs as much as I can, another ten pounds needs to come off but like you, I'm going to enjoy the holidays and give it a go after the new year. Thanks!
elizabeth e. Dec 4, 2007, 7:15pm EST
Mariana, when you come to the "Little Cabin in the Woods" I'll serve you vegemite on toast..... but I really like that idea from Tonia's Dad...sprouts with the cheese and tomatoe.

sorry, faith, sometimes I get carried away on other people's articles!
Minakshi w. Dec 6, 2007, 8:40am EST
Just had to come by, Faith. Our Special Vegemite Correspondent has changed the way you and Bob behave here at Gather!
Just came to check whether the world is still tilted the right way on your page.
Conclusion: Its tottering!
Mariana T. Dec 6, 2007, 12:59pm EST
Well, now I may have to order some of that for myself because Faith and I are gonna be head to head losing those ten pounds next year!! I'm short so I can see the weight roll off very quickly - lol...Salud.
Faith H. Dec 6, 2007, 6:41pm EST
Liz, haha, don't feel bad, I thought HE was a SHE up until this summer, and Carolyn Madden had to spell it out for me, I was so dense!
Sex butter, hmmmm? Thanks, Liz, the weight loss wasn't easy but I was determined.
Oh, now I'm living and learning, Liz. LOL Enough said, methinks.
La Bellota Dec 7, 2007, 9:59pm EST
So uh, Faith....next time I throw you an ice cream party on Gather....are you bringing vegemite topping?
Joseph H. Dec 7, 2007, 10:08pm EST
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four and full of muscles
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich
John Harris Beck Dec 7, 2007, 11:53pm EST
Lifetime supply, eh? If it's like brewer's yeast, I'll go for it.
John F Walter Dec 8, 2007, 4:34am EST
Your tone was deliciously ironic and this piece was as witty as everything I´ve ever read by Magi about Vegemite and vegemite beer, even when I read it in the same condition as Shamus the leprechaun. Now I´m yearning for my own vegemite fix, Faith!
John F Walter Dec 8, 2007, 4:36am EST
Congratulations on taking off all the weight, as well, my dear!
Faith H. Dec 8, 2007, 7:37am EST
Hi everyone! Geez, I go to bed early one time and miss all this fun.
LaB: no vegemite shall ever touch MY ice cream. When's the next party?

And John, dear man, thanks for stopping by this outpost of Oz! All the nice bits of poetry I'v written lately and you read my vegemite posting...sheesh.
Edward Nudelman Dec 8, 2007, 10:36am EST
love this Faith, and I shrieked with laughter when I read, "lifetime supply (2 tubes). I've never tasted Vegemite, and probably never will, nothwithstanding our dear Faith's valient spin attempt (are you being paid off by Magi or Vegemite, INC?)
Faith H. Dec 8, 2007, 3:38pm EST
Ed, I can offer you the opportunity of a lifetime! This spare tube has your name on it! (or Bart's, you can fight over it) All that B vitamin infusion, think of it.....
Magi has paid a gratuity and is paying me back for the camera. Ha!
I've read about vegemite in Magi's stories (which are excellent reads) and have been curious about the taste. I prefer salty things too and will have to give some of this a try.
Faith H. Dec 10, 2007, 9:12pm EST
Rose, Mike lusts for any female form...especially stoned, unarmed ones. Ha!

Renda, this is pretty powerful stuff, salt wise. I think my blood pressure went berserk!
Maureen Sullivan Stemberg Dec 17, 2007, 1:18pm EST
Faith, first congrats on the 15 lbs. I,too, recently have tasted *vegemite*which appears to be a must have for every children & adult. When, my friend first give it to me to try...It had to be there. Well, what can you say to an Austrailian that you are dating when they present you with
*Vegemite?* I thought, I was going to have to call up my nurse Deb and her assistant T.
For sure, I was going to loss it...But, trying to be a lady (I'm reaching a bit here -- magi will remind me of my affair with Conan!), I tried to smile & as soon as I could speak -- I ask the question, "Do you really give it to children eary morning?"
He replied,,"Oh yes, and they bring it to school for lunch!" OMG: they don't live home without it. Well, again trying to not get sick when he suggested I have some MORE...I suggested perhaps on a bagel, cream cheese...It was a bit better. Then, I ask for cream cheese with jam. BINGO!! It was great...I guess I know what well be waiting for me under the Xmas tree this year. Not that *little blue box,* but a large tube of Vegemite...that will be just fine. As long as he doubles up on the cream cheese and jam!! Happy Holiday's to all & indeed a bloody great one for our dear magi. ~mo-zy
Faith H. Dec 17, 2007, 8:52pm EST
Mo-zy, thanks for dropping by. I guess we need to run a security check with Magi over your Aussie beau, no? Gotta make sure you are in safe hands. I guess the vegemite check will show your true colors and since you've had the jam, and accepted it, you might just be a lucky girl at Christmas! Good on ya!
Mo~zy, tell Mad Max to bugger off! Conan the Barbarian was really the man of your dreams...I forgot, he morphed into the Terminator because he didn't eat his Vegemite as a muscle-bound kid who was thick between the ears.

Faith, have no fear...Mad Max and Mo~zy make a love match out of this world. I'll have to ask Dr Who, which world. LOL
Faith, look what Vegemite has done for you...66 comments. WOW!

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16961, "Pacino"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.