It’s very nutritious
Not only does one serving contain 36 per cent of your recommended daily allowance [RDA] of niacin (vitamin B3), it also provides 50 percent of your folic acid and 17 per cent of your thiamin – a substance that helps to protect your nervous system. It also contains iodine which the Vegetarian and Vegan society say helps to speed up the absorption of iron. While the nearest alternative – Vegemite – has a similar nutritional profile, it contains a smaller amount of iron and no vitamin B12. It also tastes appalling.
It’s full of B vitamins and a great alternative to supplements
Marmite contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, which are essential for good liver and kidney function, and help protect the nervous system. Since the only other foods the B vitamins occur in are brown rice, whole wheat, molasses and soya beans, marmite is an easy and cheap way of taking the B vitamins on board. Eat it with whole wheat toast for breakfast, and you’ll never have to resort to supplements for your B vitamins ever again.
It lasts forever
An average 125g jar of marmite yields approximately 31 four-gram servings, although if you’re a minimum spread person, it can provide up to 62. By comparison, the average 370g jar of jam lasts for only 15 servings making it a considerably less economical choice of toast topping. There are thousands of ways to serve it, including as a flavouring for stews, pies and tarts, and as part of a cheese and marmite sandwich. Some people even like it with fruit.
It’s local
Unlike Bonne Maman and other jams that rely on imported strawberries, peaches and apricots, Marmite is made in the UK from locally available ingredients. Its main ingredient is brewer’s yeast - a byproduct of the brewing industry - which is made from dried malt barley; a grain commonly grown in this country.
The glass jars can be upcycled
Like a gift that just keeps on giving, glass marmite jars can be reused in a plethora of ways once you’re done with the yeasty contents. Try using it as an unusual tea light holder, as a receptacle for stray loose change or (once thoroughly scrubbed) as a jar for your own jams and chutneys. The jars also make brilliant pots for seedlings and are much more durable than the standard plastic tray.
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