SC - vegemite

[Lorix]

Donna Ford wrote:
> 
> http://www.vegemite.com.au/
> --
> evfemia
> Barony of Iron Mountain, Meridies

I thought some of you might be interested, so in the interests of knowledge what
follows is just about everything you might want to know about vegemite (and
probably lots you didn't want to know ;-) but were afraid to ask.  Most of it is
obtained off various web sites devoted to the stuff.  Most notably the
'official' web site at:  http://www.vegemite.com.au

YIS,
Lorix

*****************************
THE HISTORY OF VEGEMITE

Yeast extract is not only good for you, it's tasty as well. That's why, in 1922,
a young Australian by the name of Fred Walker, decided to try to make a special
"yeast extract" that would be as delicious as it was nourishing. 

The chief scientist in the company Fred owned, was Dr. Cyril Callister, and it
was Dr. Callister who "invented" the first Vegemite spread. He used brewer's
yeast from Carlton & United Breweries, and blended the yeast extract with
ingredients like celery and onions, and salt to make a thick dark paste. 

Fred Walker's new product didn't have a name, so he held a trade name
competition to find it one, and in 1923, Dr. Callister's paste became
"Vegemite". 

Later on, in World War 2, soldiers, sailors, and the civilian population all had
Vegemite included in their rations, and it got so popular it fell into short
supply. 

Fred Walker and Company Pty Ltd became KRAFT Foods Limited in 1950, but Vegemite
will probably always be Vegemite. After all, it celebrated its 60th anniversary
in October 1983, and to mark the occasion, they put a plaque opposite the site
of Fred's original factory in Melbourne. 
*****************************

VEGEMITE THEME SONG:
"We're happy little Vegemites as bright as bright can be
We all enjoy our Vegemite for breakfast, lunch and tea
Our mummy says we're growing stronger every single week
     Because we love our Vegemite,
     We all adore our Vegemite,
     It puts a rose in every cheek."

*******************************

DIETARY & INGREDIENT INFORMATION
Basically, the original recipe has virtually remained
unchanged.

Yeast is known for its natural source of the vitamin B complex
which includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid,
pyridoxine, biotin, p-amino benzoic acid and several other
factors.

Yeast extract because it is four or five times more concentrated
than yeast, is therefore one of the richest known sources of
the vitamin B group. In addition to being vitamin B rich, yeast
extract also contains other essential constituents such as
protein and minerals, making Vegemite an excellent addition to
the family diet.

A spread of Vegemite (5g) on a slice of bread will provide the
following percentages of daily vitamin needs: 
% Proportion of Recommended  Daily Intake (RDI) per 5g & Per 100g
Thiamin:                    50%                         11.0mg
Niacin:                    25%                          50.0mg
Riboflavin:                25%                           8.6mg


Thiamin
(B1) plays an essential role in converting
carbohydrates to energy, as well as being
important for growth and normal functioning
of the nervous system and heart.

Riboflavin
(B2) is also important for the release of
energy from foods, in particular protein
metabolism. Riboflavin is essential for the
development and repair of tissues, including
the skin and eyes and is necessary for
growth.

Niacin
(B3) is necessary for normal energy
metabolism.

Good Source of Folate
Folate is another B group vitamin with
several important functions. Folate is
essential for the formation of red blood cells
and the production of enzymes and other
body proteins. A deficiency in folate results
in a type of anaemia, which can cause
weakness, tiredness, diarrhoea and weight
loss. In babies and young children growth
may be affected.

Folate also plays a vital role in the growth of
a developing embryo. Research has revealed
that the risk of having a baby with a neural
tube defect can be reduced up to 70% if
women increase their intake of folate.

Low in Fat & Kilojoules
Vegemite is fat free and low in kilojoules,
supplying only 38kj per teaspoon.