Vegemite
Famous in Australia as their kangaroos and The Great Barrier Reef. While I was growing up eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, my Australian friends were eating Vegemite ones. I can't describe the taste exactly but if I had to compare it to anything, it tasted like a very strong soy sauce that has been left out to dry to the point that it turned into a paste and someone decided to spread it on toast. Enticing isn’t it? Even thinking about it right now causes my jaw to tense up and mouth to water because of how salty it tasted. I must admit the first time I tried it, instead of spreading a thin layer of Vegemite on buttered toast as recommended, Mar and I decided to lick it straight from the package. WORST mistake ever!! I swear everyone in that hostel was looking at us like we were some stupid Americans.
I tried it again the right way and it was just as hard to get down as the first time. Vegemite is definitely an acquired taste but a must try if you’re going to be in Australia. Just be warned, when they tell you to lightly spread the Vegemite that means dipping the knife in just a bit (the size of an itty bitty pea) for the whole slice of bread. It makes a great gift to bring home to your food loving people, just make sure to stick around and watch their reaction as they try to make sense of the taste.
For anyone interested in the history of Vegemite.
