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The surprising history of ketchup: From fish sauce to tomato condiment
The early days: Ketchup without tomatoes
Ketchup was a popular condiment in the 1800s, but it didn’t always contain tomatoes. In fact, tomato-based ketchup wasn’t introduced until much later. According to Smithsonian Magazine, tomatoes were considered “poison apples” by Europeans in the 1700s. Wealthy individuals who imported tomatoes from South America became ill and even died after eating them from their pewter plates. It was later discovered that the acidity of the tomatoes caused lead to leach out of the pewter plates, leading to the unfortunate results. Despite the taboo surrounding tomatoes, ketchup remained a popular sauce.
Before tomatoes came on the scene, ketchup was made from a thin, dark, fermented fish sauce. This fish-based ketchup was popular until the late 1700s (via National Geographic). The transition from fish sauce to tomato-based ketchup marked a major turning point in the condiment’s history.
Dr. John Cook Bennet and the Rise of Tomato Ketchup
In 1834, Dr. John Cook Bennet played a key role in popularizing tomato ketchup. He marketed ketchup not as a condiment, but as a cure-all in the form of a ketchup pill. The idea was that ketchup could alleviate various ailments, including diarrhea, yellowing skin, and indigestion (via Mental Floss). In the early 1800s, ketchup was hailed as a medical miracle.
While the concept of ketchup pills may seem amusing today, tomatoes actually offer numerous health benefits. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry suggests that tomatoes may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and several types of cancer, including lung, prostate, stomach, cervical, breast, oral, colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic. Dr. Bennet’s belief in the health benefits of tomatoes was not entirely unfounded.
Unfortunately, the popularity of ketchup pills was short-lived. By the 1850s, Dr. Bennet had gone out of business, and the market was flooded with copycats selling laxatives disguised as tomato pills, ultimately discrediting the medicinal claims associated with ketchup.
The birth of Heinz tomato ketchup
Although Dr. Bennet’s ketchup pills did not have a lasting effect, Americans’ taste for tomatoes continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1869 that Heinz, a household name in the condiment industry, entered the ketchup scene. Henry J. Heinz revolutionized the production and marketing of ketchup, introducing a high-quality tomato-based version that captured the hearts and taste buds of consumers.
Heinz Tomato Ketchup quickly gained popularity and became a staple in homes across the United States. The company’s commitment to quality and innovation made it one of the world’s leading ketchup brands. Heinz’s tomato ketchup recipe, which remains a closely guarded secret, has become synonymous with the condiment itself.
The enduring legacy of tomato ketchup
Today, tomato ketchup is an essential condiment found in kitchens, restaurants and fast-food chains around the world. Its versatility and ability to enhance the flavor of various dishes have made it a popular accompaniment to everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to French fries and eggs.
Ketchup’s surprising journey from its origins as a fermented fish sauce to its transformation into a tomato-based condiment is a testament to the enduring nature of culinary evolution. While the 1800s marked a turning point for ketchup, its popularity and widespread use have continued to grow thanks to the ingenuity of individuals such as Dr. John Cook Bennet and Henry J. Heinz.
In conclusion, the history of ketchup serves as a reminder that even the most common and beloved condiments have a rich and surprising history. So the next time you reach for that bottle of tomato ketchup, take a moment to appreciate the journey it took to become the beloved condiment we know today.
FAQS
Why was tomato-based ketchup not popular in the 1700’s?
Europeans considered tomatoes “poison apples” because they believed they caused illness and even death. It was later discovered that the acidity of tomatoes caused lead to leach out of pewter plates, causing health problems.
What was ketchup made of before tomatoes?
Before tomatoes, ketchup was made from a fermented fish sauce. This thin, dark sauce was widely used until the late 1700s.
Who played a major role in the popularization of tomato ketchup?
Dr. John Cook Bennet marketed tomato ketchup as a cure-all in the form of ketchup pills in the 1800s. He believed in the health benefits of tomatoes and promoted their medicinal properties.
Did the ketchup pills have a lasting effect?
While ketchup pills initially gained some popularity, they were relatively short-lived. Copycats selling laxatives disguised as tomato pills eventually discredited ketchup’s medicinal claims.
When did Heinz get into the ketchup business?
Heinz, a well-known brand of condiments, introduced its tomato ketchup in 1869. The company revolutionized the production and marketing of ketchup and made it a household staple.
How did Heinz contribute to the enduring legacy of tomato ketchup?
Heinz’s commitment to quality and innovation brought tomato ketchup to new heights of popularity. The brand’s recipe, which remains a closely guarded secret, has become synonymous with the condiment itself.