The Mish-Mash Dictionary of Marmite: An Anecdotal A-Z of 'Tar-in-a-Jar."

Marmite-do you love it or loathe it? Do you even know what it is? If you're from Great Britain or other parts of the world, you do, but if you're from the United States, you probably don't.

For the uninitiated, it's a yeast extract that comes in a little brown jar. It can be spread on toast, sandwiches, or added to recipes. And the first entry under C in the book is "Cake." Yes, it's even possible to make a Marmite cake.

British author Maggie Hall, a former Fleet Street reporter, wanted to write this book over ten years ago, but publishers showed little interest. She shelved the idea, but it always stayed in the back of her mind (probably like that last little bit of Marmite you can't get out of the jar).

Once she got the go-ahead from Revel Barker Publishing, though, the words flowed like water bursting out of a broken pipe, and the book was published in 2009.

Hall, who loves the "tar-in-a jar," tells the story of Marmite, which is owned by Unilever, from its lowly beginnings centuries ago, when poor brewery workers would sometimes take the yeast sludge home to their families to eat. But for the most part, it was thrown out or fed to the pigs.

It was in 1680 that Dutch scientist Anton van Leeuwenhoek, who also invented the microscope, realized that the leavings from breweries could be made into a palatable food item. However, his research slacked off, and it would be 200 more years before anyone else explored the possibilities.

German chemist Baron Justice von Liebig came up with the process that turned yeast waste into an edible food, but he died before his idea came into fruition. Others were aware of it, though, and In 1902, a group of British businessmen negotiated for the patent of Marmite, and the Marmite Food Extract Company Limited was born.

This book, however, is not just a history lesson; it's a fun book and provides loads of information about Marmite, even things you might not want to know! Full of proteins, Marmite has been used as a cure for many maladies, including boils and cold sores. Hall writes that many people have applied a dab of Marmite to an open wound or scratch.

In fact, when I got to the "Pigs" entry, and read about the "Marmite Disease" young pigs are prone to, I was sure it was going to say that Marmite cured the pigs of their disease. But no, the real name of the disease is exudative epidermitis, and it causes the pigs to ooze dark fluids, which looks like Marmite, hence the colloquial term.

On a lighter note, the Queen and much of the Royal family enjoy Marmite, just as much as the citizenry. In fact, the entry under "Royal" proclaims that Marmite is a staple in the pantry of Her Royal Highness. The book also reveals that artists have made jewelry, including earrings, pendants, and brooches with the Marmite likeness. Thrifty folks have used empty Marmite jars as pen or pencil holders or as a seedling pot for plants.

But the most enjoyable thing, at least for those who love it, seems to be the consumption of Marmite. Many children in Great Britain are raised on Marmite, as was James Wannerton of Blackpool, whose mother gave it to him when he was a baby. Wannerton, who is also listed under the "Synaesthesia" heading in the book (he tastes words and the word "expect" tastes of Marmite-flavoured crisps (that's Marmite-flavored potato chips for us Yanks) is in the "love it" camp.

Which poses a dilemma for me. Being an unknowledgeable American, I didn't even know Marmite existed until 2009, less than a measly year ago. But I found it at a World Market in Charlotte, NC, and gave it a try. I put a bit on my finger, tasted it and hated it. It was a little beefy tasting, but I couldn't imagine it on a ham sandwich.

Many months later, I gave it another try, but this time I spread a thin layer on toast. I liked it, in fact, I could understand why people love it. But I'm not to the point of loving it yet, but no longer am I in the "loathe it" camp. Since I'm American, my opinion probably doesn't count, but I plan to try the toast with a mixture of butter and Marmite next time. And if I love it, you'll be the first to know!

Hall is thorough in this book, and covers everything (see the entry "Nipples"), and several entries warn migraine sufferers to be wary of Marmite. This book won't change any opinions about the "black goo", but readers will learn something and have a good laugh or two in the process.

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