Did You Know That Tomato Ketchup Was Once Used As Medicine? (2024)

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Did You Know That Tomato Ketchup Was Once Used As Medicine? ›

Ketchup Was Medicine At Some Point

Ketchup was believed to have health benefits due to its fermented nature and the presence of various ingredients. In traditional Chinese medicine, fermented foods were often considered beneficial for digestion and overall health. European doctors like Dr.

In the early 19 century, tomato ketchup was sold in pharmacies as a medicine for diarrhea and indigestion. During that period, farmers primarily prepared ketchup and were happy to find another way of conserving tomatoes. With the product's growing popularity, companies decided to enter the game.

Tomato ketchup is often used as a condiment to dishes that are usually served hot and are fried or greasy: french fries and other potato dishes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, hot sandwiches, meat pies, cooked eggs, and grilled or fried meat.

Ketchup Was Medicine At Some Point

In the 1830s, tomato ketchup was sold as a medicine that could cure ailments like diarrhea, indigestion, and jaundice.

If you enjoy ketchup, you may be happy to hear that because it's made with tomatoes, it's a good source of lycopene. Adding more lycopene to your diet may help protect you from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. However, some ketchup varieties prove high in sugar and salt.

In the case of “non-Newtonian” fluids such as ketchup, the situation is different: a stronger force reduces the viscosity. This behavior, known as shear thinning, is caused by polymers that are added to the sauce (a concoction of tomato paste, sugar and other ingredients) in the form of a thickener.

Heinz Tomato Ketchup

While it had that great balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that we know and love from Heinz, there was one ketchup that was just so classic-tasting that I couldn't stop going back for more.

Fancy is a qualification from the USDA that certifies it as high-quality ketchup (Heinz is also considered Fancy ketchup). Fancy ketchup is a U.S. grade A ketchup that has good color, good consistency, good flavor, and is free from defects, according to the USDA.

What is the difference between ketchup and catsup? ›

As it turns out, they're the same thing!

Ketchup and catsup are both Westernized terms for a condiment that has origins in China: fish sauce. Ketchup as we know it today is a modernized version of fish sauce, which was made in port towns on the South China Sea with salted and fermented anchovies.

Food safety experts say that while ketchup is shelf-stable, it generally tastes better when kept cold. “I'm shocked there's a controversy,” said Martin Bucknavage, a food safety specialist at Penn State University. “If you want to maximize the quality of your ketchup, you keep it in the fridge.”

Directions. Whisk together together ketchup, hoisin, honey, soy sauce, sherry, and five spice powder in a small bowl. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to a month.

It pairs perfectly with fried foods like onion rings, chicken nuggets, or sweet potato fries. Umami Booster: Use a small amount of ketchup in dishes like chili, stew, or meat sauce to enhance their depth of flavor. Its rich tomato base and subtle sweetness add complexity to savory dishes.

It is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt. The Greeks used Mustard as a medicine and a spice. The Romans emulated the Greeks using it as both food and medicine as well, ascribing it as a cure for anything from hysteria to snakebite to bubonic plague.

In the 1830s, ketchup was sold as a medicine and believed to cure ailments like indigestion, diarrhea, and jaundice.

Tomatoes and anything made from tomatoes contains many acids and will likely lead to an acid reflux attack in those prone to getting them anyway. This is why ketchup and pizza sauce are no-goes for acid reflux sufferers.