People only just realising hidden meaning behind Marmite's name after spotting detail on label
Topics: Food and Drink, UK News, Life
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Ben STANSALL/AFP/Matthew Horwood/Getty Images
Topics: Food and Drink, UK News, Life
If asked what comes to mind when you think of Marmite, I'm willing to bet there are only one of two answers you'll give me.
You'll either say, 'Oh, it's this disgusting, sticky, tar-like sauce that takes like soil and salt, and only weirdos love spreading all over their toast'.
Or you'll say, 'Omg, I love Marmite, it's a savoury breakfast delicacy that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and salt, and it's got a super silky texture'.
After all, that is Marmite's unique selling point - you either love it or you hate it.
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However, there's almost certainly one thing which is unlikely to come to mind when you think of this controversial breakfast treat.
It turns out, however, that Marmite actually has its roots in ceramics, and that it's name actually comes directly from a very specific type of dish which is traditionally used in French cooking.
It's true - a 'marmite' is a crockery casserole pot, famed for its 'pot belly' shape.
It turns out that, according to the Marmite Museum (yes, it's a real place), the inventor of Marmite had accidentally produced the thick liquid in 1902 after discovering that the waste product derived from yeast used in brewing beer could be made into a meaty flavoured, vegetarian concentrate.
And when during this process, he used a marmite - pronounced 'mar-meet' in French - pot.
This is also why the tiny jars of marmite we find in our kitchen cupboards and pantries boasts the same uniquely pronounced shape.
And if we still can't convince you of this mind-blowing truth, go and grab a jar yourself, making sure to carefully inspect the company's choice of branding.
That's because there's actually a picture of a marmite dish slap bang in the middle of each and every jar of Marmite.
I promise it's true, go and have a look for yourself!
Don't worry if you've been left absolutely blindsided by this revelation, however, as by the sounds of it, hundreds of other Marmite fans were, too.
Taking to social media recently, one explained: "You guys you guys you guys. 'Marmite' is from a traditional French crockery vessel for casseroles and marmite bottles are shaped like them."
While another confirmed: "Yeah, when I worked there I found this out because the chef kept telling me to clean 'les marmites' and I was like....the what now??"
"WHAT" a third wrote in response, as another admitted: "You just blew my mind".
"I was today years old when I learnt that the pot on the label is called a ‘marmite’ in French…" added someone else.