Why does Marmite go white when you put some on a plate and hit it with a spoon?

Question

I have just discovered this phenomenem and wondered why this happens. Does any know the reason? (If you don't believe me then try it- put a small blob of marmite on a plate and hit it repeatedly with the back of a spoon.)

I promise you it is not the plate. The marmite actually does change colour even on a black surface!
(oh and I am exceedingly bored. My friend just came in and told me and it is about the most interesting thing I've learnt in a week!)

Answer 1

I tried it and my and my blob of Marmite slowly changed from very dark brown to light brown (but not white).

My hunch is that the repeated bashing introduces minute air bubbles. Each bubble acts as a tiny reflector, sending incident light back to the observer, giving the impression of whiteness (just like cats' eyes in the road). White plus dark brown gives light brown.

On leaving it to stand for a bit, I notice that small, but visible, bubbles have appeared. This seems to confirm my hunch, because the natural thing would be for those minute bubbles to gradually coalesce to form larger, visible bubbles.

Answer 2

the white bit is the plate.

when you bash the blob with a spoon, the bit where the spoon touches the marmite is slowly spreading the blob outwards and revealing the white plate underneath.

why you would put a blob on a plate beats me anyway - and lets not go into bashing the marmite either!?!?!? How you don't end up breaking the plate must be a bigger phenomenon!!

Spread the marmite on buttered toast, sprinkle grated cheddar and grill til cheese is bubbly and the marmite covered crust is all toasty!!! YUM!

Answer 3

No way!! Does it? Ha, are you having us on? Hang on a minute, I'll do it, BRB! It did go a very pale beigey colour! My dogs were trying to lick it off the plate while I was bashing it!

Thanks for that, I can just imagine people all around the globe marmite bashing after your question! lol!

I'm just wondering....how on earth did you discover that ha ha!

Answer 4

I had to look up "marmite" on the web to see what it is. I don't think it is real popular here in the States. But you have piqued my interest. As luck would have it there is a specialty shop near my home that specializes in food items from the UK(H.P. Sauce, Scottish oatmeal, etc). If I can't find it there I will try to find it on my next trip to Canada. I look forward to trying it. Thank you for calling it to my attention.

Answer 5

Talkin about workin out your aggression!!? Dunno why it should go white? Made me smile though mental image Marmite on a plate and working out...."now, do I hit it with this? or that, oh I know Lets wack it with the back of a spoon!!" Think I'll try that one later! (did it splatter everywhere? or did it just stick to the plate and the spoon?) : )

Answer 6

I can't imagine why this would happen but, when I go home to have a bit of marmite on toast, I'm going to see this for myself...

Would it be rude to ask if you are tearfully bored right now!? Just wondering!

Answer 7

it is technically called marmite mashing it is caused by aerating the marmite when you beat it some say just spread it others mash it first saying it alters the taste opinions vary you either love it or hate it ( MARMITE )

Answer 8

Please, what the heck is marmite? Is it like the eelpout we have here in Minnesota? If so, it is just one of those things worth beating with a spoon...

Answer 9

POOR LITTLE MARMITE...LOL
YOU BASHED THE GRANNY OUT OF IT WITH A BIG NASTY SPOON AND THE POOR LITTLE THINGS BLEEDING NOW .....

LOLOL

Answer 10

dya know how when someone hits you repeatedly the colour drains from you??

same thing for marmite

now stopping beating up on defenseless yeast products!!!

:)