Wacky ways to eat Australia’s favourite spread

Ever tried drinking your Vegemite, or putting it on Weet-Bix? Plenty of Australians do — and they defend their choices to the death. Read about all the ways to enjoy our favourite salty spread.

Dior, Kiri and Alexis try to keep an open mind about Vegemite ice-cream. Picture- Nicole Cleary

Vegemite — it’s the spread most of us grow to love, and the one most foreigners fail to embrace when they reach our distant shores.

But it can be enjoyed in many other ways than on a bit of toast. So read on. And consider trying some of these methods over our national holiday weekend.

Because let’s face it, if you don’t like Vegemite, are you even Australian?

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TRY IT — JUST TRY IT — WITH AVOCADO

In Melbourne we do brunch. We even have bars where you can order brunch all day, including late at night with a few bevvies. So it was only a matter of time before some hipster foodie genius took the green fruit and smashed it with the good black stuff. If you haven’t tried it, give it a go. Today.

Vegemite and avocado bruschetta — so fancy.

ON WEET-BIX

I get it, not everyone can afford avocados. So for those penny pinchers like me Weet-Bix can make a healthy and filling cost-effective alternative. Slather it with butter and add Vegemite to taste. Blame Australia’s drought for the fact Weet-Bix aren’t as cheap as they used to be.

Are you a Vegemite and Weet-Bix kid? Picture: Tim Carrafa

IN A DRINK

I’m as weirded out by this as you are. A colleague’s mum likes to drink her Vegemite — simply add a teaspoon of it to hot water and stir. I love Vegemite, but I think I just vomited in my mouth.

Pretty sure this is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever heard of.

ON COLD SORES

Ok, so this is stretching the definition of eating, but it was too entertaining not to include. Another colleague’s mum dabs her cold sores with Vegemite to heal the painful cuts that develop at the corner of your mouth. Move over Zovirax, there’s a new player in town!

CHOCOLATE, ICE CREAM, PIZZA, POPCORN

A lot of these concoctions are gimmicks rolled out in the lead up to Australia Day. Some have been good (Vegemite pizza), some have been bad (Vegemite chocolate), and some have been downright ugly (Vegemite ice cream). Call it fool hardy or patriotic, but I like to try every new Vegemite inspired snack when it hits the market and this year I can happily report the new Vegemite Shapes are pretty damn tasty.

I’d rather gouge my eyes out with a spoon than eat this again. Picture: Nicole Cleary

PASTA SAUCE

I’m a Nigella Lawson fan and while my Italian relatives would disown me for saying this, I’m keen to give her Marmite/Vegemite pasta recipe a go. I also like pineapple on my pizza, another cardinal sin. But it’s fine, who needs family anyway.

Sorry nonna, but I’d give it a whirl. Picture: Fat Mum Slim

CONGEE, CASSEROLE AND SHEPHERD’S PIE

Vegemite’s saltiness acts as the perfect stock for casseroles and shepherd’s pie, according to a colleague. Another likes to take Asian fusion cuisine to a whole new level by adding a teaspoon (or more) to her congee — a type of rice porridge. Yum.

Vegemite and congee, I’m feeling better already. Picture: Mike Dugdale

TIGER TOAST

This was the only way mum was able to get me up for school in winter. Cheese and Vegemite are a match made in heaven, but when you slice the cheese thinly and place it on your Vegemite toast and arrange it in a striped pattern — voila — you’ve got a gourmet breakfast, Aussie style. Don’t forget to pop it under the grill to melt the cheese.

A school morning staple, you’re a legend mum! Picture: Eugene Hyland

SALADAS

The classic way to eat Australia’s favourite spread. Apply a generous helping of butter to your cracker, scrape on a thin layer of Vegemite and squash another cracker on top. Then watch with glee as your butter and vegemite worms emerge through the holes. I still get a kick out of it, even as an adult.

An oldie but a goodie. Crackers and Vegemite.

So there you have it, some interesting ways to eat your Vegemite. If you’ve got any ideas we haven’t listed, please share them below. we’re all ears!

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