Lab Lemco

Lab Lemco was a concentrated beef extract product, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was originally manufactured by Liebig's Extract of Meat Company (Lemco) using a process developed by Justus von Liebig for extracting the soluble components of beef. The product was sold as a nutritional supplement and flavor enhancer, intended to be dissolved in hot water to make a broth.

Lab Lemco was heavily marketed as a convenient and nutritious food source, especially beneficial for invalids, children, and travelers. Its concentrated form allowed for easy storage and transport, making it a staple in remote areas and during expeditions. Advertisements often emphasized its purity and health benefits.

The manufacturing process involved boiling beef in water, concentrating the resulting broth, and then packaging the extract in distinctive small jars. Liebig's Extract of Meat Company was a pioneer in large-scale beef processing and played a significant role in the development of the meat industry in South America, where much of the beef used for Lab Lemco was sourced.

While popular for many years, Lab Lemco eventually declined in popularity with the rise of other convenience foods and changing consumer preferences. However, it remains a notable example of early food technology and marketing strategies.