We're happy little Vegemites...

This article describes one of the greatest insults Australia has had to face in recent years (and when I say recent, Europeans have only been coming out here in an organised fashion for the last ~218 years).

The US has banned the importation of Vegemite. For those who don't know, Vegemite is considered something of a staple over here, and is especially popular as a toast spread. It goes very well with cheese, on dry biscuits and kids' sandwiches. It looks uncannily similar to wheel grease, and is fantastic for smearing on toilet seats. You just don't want to go there...

I'm not overly fond of Vegemite, but on the rare occasion I have a slice of toast for breakfast I insist on it (not spread smooth, and certainly not mixed with the butter. It needs to make the surface of the bread all lumpy. All Aussies know what I mean! Who knows, maybe there will be a question about how to spread Vegemite on the values test John Howard's pushing for.)

Vegemite itself is a by-product of the beer brewing business. That's why there's so much if it. It's marketed as a health product --- the jingle (which has to be one of the best known songs in Australia) promises that it puts a rose in every cheek. Even on 1960s era B&W TV.

And now the US doesn't want it because it has added folate. This seems weird on so many levels. Over here we want people to get as much of the stuff as they can, especially women who might be in the very early stages of pregnancy.

Yet another reason to stay in Australia. You can have my Vegemite when you pry it from my cold dead fingers...