What 'Black Magic' goes into making Marmite? | Food Unwrapped

Food Unwrapped
10 Jan 202004:44
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script provides an insightful journey into the world of yeast extract production. The narrative follows a curious individual's quest to understand the mysterious flavor of yeast extract, leading them to Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, home to one of Britain's finest factories. Here, they meet Sinjin Skelton, a quality specialist, who guides them through the process. The yeast, sourced from breweries, undergoes a transformation in large coppers, where it's heated to break down cell walls. After centrifugation, the yeast is concentrated and then blended with secret ingredients, including barley, salt, vegetable juice concentrate, and celery, to create the distinctive taste. The factory, with its 25 million jars produced annually, is a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique ingredient, despite its divisive flavor profile.

Takeaways
  • 🧫 Yeast extract is made from yeast cells that multiply during the beer brewing process, producing a surplus of yeast that is then used for the extract.
  • 🏭 The yeast is sourced from breweries and arrives at the factory in large quantities, where it is processed further.
  • 🌑️ The yeast is heated to 95 degrees Celsius in coppers, which kills the live yeast and breaks down their cell walls.
  • πŸ”„ A centrifuge is used to separate the broken-down cell walls from the cell innards, resulting in a yeasty liquid.
  • πŸ§‚ The yeast extract is concentrated and then combined with six secret ingredients, including barley, salt, vegetable juice concentrate, and celery.
  • πŸ”΄ The final product has a distinct red color and a unique taste, which some people grow to love.
  • πŸ” The quality specialist, Sinjin Skelton, is responsible for ensuring the product meets high standards.
  • πŸ—οΈ The factory has been operating since 1902 and is considered one of Britain's finest for producing yeast extract.
  • 🚜 Large equipment, such as coppers and centrifuges, are essential for processing the yeast into extract.
  • πŸ“¦ The final product fills 25 million jars a year, indicating the significant scale of production.
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ”¬ Steve Jones, the lead operator in production, confirms that taste testing is a part of the job, suggesting that workers are familiar with the flavor profile of the yeast extract.
  • πŸŽ₯ The video script suggests a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, aiming to educate viewers on what yeast extract is and why it has its distinctive taste.
Q & A
  • What is the primary ingredient in yeast extract?

    -The primary ingredient in yeast extract is yeast, which is obtained from breweries where it is a byproduct of the beer-making process.

  • How does the yeast get from the breweries to the yeast extract factory?

    -The yeast is sold from the breweries to the yeast extract factory, where it is used to make the extracts.

  • What happens to the yeast when it arrives at the factory?

    -Upon arrival, the yeast is pumped into large containers called coppers, where the temperature is adjusted to make the yeast behave in a certain way.

  • What is the purpose of heating the yeast in the coppers to 95 degrees?

    -The yeast is heated to 95 degrees to kill the live yeast and break down their cell walls, which is a step in the process of creating yeast extract.

  • What is used to separate the broken-down cell walls from the cell innards?

    -A centrifuge is used to separate the broken-down cell walls and the cell innards into two different liquids.

  • What does the final yeast extract product look like before the addition of other ingredients?

    -Before the addition of other ingredients, the yeast extract appears as a concentrated liquid with a distinctive look.

  • What are some of the additional ingredients added to the yeast extract?

    -Some of the additional ingredients include barley salt, vegetable juice concentrate, and celery.

  • What is the role of the secret ingredient in the yeast extract?

    -The script does not reveal the specific role of the secret ingredient, but it is implied that it adds a unique flavor or characteristic to the yeast extract.

  • How many jars of yeast extract does the factory produce in a year?

    -The factory fills 25 million jars of yeast extract a year.

  • Who is Sinjin Skelton in the context of the script?

    -Sinjin Skelton is the quality specialist at the yeast extract factory.

  • What is the significance of Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire?

    -Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire is the location of the yeast extract factory, which is considered Britain's finest.

  • What is the general public's perception of yeast extract?

    -The perception varies, with some people enjoying the taste of yeast extract, while others, like the person interviewed in the script, do not enjoy it.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ§ͺ Yeast Extract Production Process

The video script introduces the process of making yeast extract, starting with a discussion about the product's taste and its appeal to different individuals. The narrator, Jim, travels to Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire to explore the secrets behind a specific brand of yeast extract. The yeast used in the extract comes from breweries, where it is a byproduct of beer production. The yeast cells multiply as they convert sugar into alcohol, resulting in a surplus that is sold to make yeast extracts. Upon arrival at the factory, the yeast is heated to 95 degrees Celsius in large containers called coppers, which kills the yeast and breaks down their cell walls. The mixture is then centrifuged to separate the broken cell walls from the cell contents. This 'yeasty soup' is concentrated and combined with six secret ingredients, including barley salt, vegetable juice concentrate, and celery, to create the final product. The factory fills 25 million jars a year, and the lead operator, Steve Jones, confirms that everyone at the factory enjoys the taste of the yeast extract.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Yeast Extract
Yeast extract is a product derived from the processing of yeast, a type of fungus used in the fermentation of beverages like beer. In the video, it is mentioned as the main ingredient in a food product and is described as having a distinct taste. The process of making yeast extract involves heating the yeast to break down its cell walls and then separating the components to concentrate the extract. It is a central theme of the video as the host is exploring its production and the reasons behind its unique flavor.
πŸ’‘Breweries
Breweries are establishments that produce beer through the process of fermentation. In the context of the video, breweries play a significant role as they are the source of the yeast used to make yeast extract. The yeast is a byproduct of beer production, which is then sold and used to create the yeast extract discussed in the video.
πŸ’‘Coppers
In the video, 'coppers' refers to large boxes or containers where the yeast is heated to initiate the breakdown of its cell walls. This is a crucial step in the production of yeast extract, as it allows for the separation of the yeast's cellular components, which are then used to create the final product. The term 'coppers' is used to illustrate the industrial equipment involved in the process.
πŸ’‘Quality Specialist
A quality specialist, as mentioned in the video, is a professional responsible for ensuring the quality of products in a manufacturing setting. Sinjin Skelton, identified as the quality specialist at the factory, would be in charge of maintaining the standards and quality of the yeast extract produced. This role is vital to the video's narrative as it highlights the importance of quality control in food production.
πŸ’‘Secret Ingredient
The term 'secret ingredient' is often used to describe a component of a recipe that is kept confidential to protect its uniqueness. In the video, it is suggested that there is a secret ingredient in the yeast extract, which adds to its distinctive taste. The secret ingredient is not revealed but is hinted to include components like barley salt, vegetable juice concentrate, and celery. This concept adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the video's exploration of the product.
πŸ’‘Concentrate
In the context of the video, 'concentrate' refers to the process of making a solution more concentrated, which in the case of yeast extract, involves reducing the water content to increase the density of the yeast components. This process is essential for the production of yeast extract as it results in a product with a strong, characteristic flavor. The term is used to describe a step in the manufacturing process that affects the final taste and quality of the yeast extract.
πŸ’‘Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. In the video, it is mentioned as the location of the factory that produces the yeast extract. The mention of Staffordshire provides geographical context to the video, indicating where the production of the yeast extract takes place and possibly hinting at regional influences on the product's development.
πŸ’‘Barley Salt
Barley salt is a type of salt that is derived from barley, a type of cereal grain. It is mentioned in the video as one of the ingredients added to the yeast extract. Barley salt contributes to the flavor profile of the yeast extract, enhancing its taste. The term is used in the video to illustrate the variety of ingredients that go into creating the final product.
πŸ’‘Vegetable Juice Concentrate
Vegetable juice concentrate is a thick, flavorful liquid made by removing water from vegetable juice, intensifying its taste. In the video, it is listed as one of the ingredients blended with the yeast extract. The concentrate likely adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the yeast extract, contributing to its unique taste experience.
πŸ’‘Celery
Celery is a vegetable that is often used for its mild, slightly bitter taste and crunchy texture. In the context of the video, celery is mentioned as a component of the secret ingredient blend added to the yeast extract. Celery is known to add a fresh, green note to dishes, and its inclusion in the yeast extract suggests a similar effect, enhancing the overall flavor.
πŸ’‘Lead Operator
A lead operator in a production setting is a person who oversees the operations and ensures that the production process runs smoothly. In the video, Steve Jones is identified as the lead operator in production at the yeast extract factory. His role is important as it signifies the human aspect of the manufacturing process, indicating that skilled personnel are involved in the creation of the yeast extract.
Highlights

Yeast extract is a product derived from the yeast used in the brewing of beer.

The yeast cells multiply during the beer-making process, resulting in a surplus that is sold to make yeast extracts.

Upon arrival at the factory, yeast is heated to 95 degrees to kill it and break down cell walls.

The yeast mixture is then centrifuged to separate the cell walls from the cell contents.

Yeast extract is concentrated and combined with six secret ingredients.

The final product is a dark, flavorful paste with a unique taste.

The factory in Burton-upon-Trent has been producing yeast extracts since 1902.

The process involves culturing yeast and then harvesting it to create the extract.

The yeast extract is rich in nutrients from the broken-down yeast cells.

The factory produces enough yeast extract to fill 25 million jars a year.

The taste of yeast extract is not universally liked, but it has a dedicated fan base.

The secret ingredients added to the yeast extract include barley salt, vegetable juice concentrate, and celery.

The yeast extract has a distinct umami flavor that comes from the proteins and other nutrients in the yeast cells.

The quality specialist at the factory ensures the yeast extract meets high standards before it is packaged.

The factory uses large copper vessels to process the yeast, giving it a distinctive color and texture.

The yeast extract is a popular ingredient in various culinary dishes, especially in the UK.

The production process is highly automated, with operators regularly taste-testing the product to maintain quality.

The factory tour reveals the intricate process behind a simple yet complex flavor profile of yeast extract.

Transcripts
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