A VEGEMITE SANDWICH, PLEASE!

O joy, O rapture! Kraft Foods has announced that they will be producing certified kosher Vegemite. So what is Vegemite, you ask?

In 1922, Fred Walker (1884-1935) of Melbourne, Australia decided to try to make a special “yeast extract” that would be as delicious as it was nourishing. The chief scientist in the company was Dr. Cyril P. Callister, and he invented the first Vegemite spread. He used brewer’s yeast and blended the yeast extract with ingredients like celery, onion, salt, and a few secret ingredients to make this paste. In 1912, a national competition and a prize of 50 pounds was offered to the winner or winners to name the new product.. The name ?Vegemite? was finally chosen from the entries.

According to our friends down under, no self respecting Aussie ever leaves the country without a jar packed in the carry-on bag.

Certification is by Kosher Australia. (www.kosher.org.au ). A plain K will appear on the label.

Ummm, maybe we’ll take a pass on this one….

(RJR)