The Uniquely British 3-Ingredient Sandwich That George Harrison Loved

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Before launching into "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on a 1968 recording, Beatle George Harrison can be heard asking for a very distinctive sandwich containing cheese, lettuce, and Marmite. Look, we're down with a peculiar old-school sando, like the iconic, vintage New England baked bean sandwich. But ... Marmite? This dark spread, made from yeast extract and other secret ingredients, is so divisive that even the company's own press acknowledges that it's a love-it-or-hate-it sort of condiment. Like the Beatles and their timeless pop music, Marmite is quintessentially British.

Marmite is often tempered by butter, so consider starting your George Harrison sandwich by buttering toast. You want a thin application of Marmite on top, as too much is definitely overpowering. Don't skimp on the fresh, crunchy lettuce! We previously discussed why shredded cheese belongs on sandwiches, and we hold fast to the idea that it's good here, scattered thickly and melted to gooey deliciousness. If you want to gussy up your simple sandwich, consider adding a thick slice of fresh tomato or trying the underrated bread swap that can improve any grilled cheese — and Harrison's sandwich is indubitably a variation on a grilled cheese.

Those who favor Marmite sandwiches have mixed opinions about the perfect cheese to use in combination with the spread. Marmite is already quite pungent, so there are two camps: those who embrace the funk and opt for a sharp cheese, and those who prefer to mellow it with something creamier. There's no wrong answer here, so long as you like it.

It's interesting to wonder whether George Harrison shared his sandwiches with his famous bandmates or kept them to himself. We don't know for certain, of course, but there are clues as to whether the other Fab Four might have enjoyed the same taste. On Marmite's own Facebook page, the company brags about the fact that Sir Paul McCartney is said to enjoy a bagel sandwich loaded with hummus, pickles, cheese, and tomato, along with Marmite. Ringo Starr, who is allergic to onions and garlic and may therefore be predisposed to dislike similar strong flavors, claimed to not be a fan of the spread. As for John Lennon, his opinions on Marmite have been lost to time. Lennon notably went vegetarian in his later years, however, and Marmite is vegan-friendly, so perhaps he wasn't opposed.

Almost 60 years after George Harrison asked for a Marmite sandwich, it's fun to think that we could enjoy the same treat today, along with a spin of the album he was working on at the time of his request: that would be "The Beatles," also known as "The White Album," by the way. Food truly is the universal link between time and culture, allowing people all over the world to share common experiences with those who came before, famous or mundane.