National Ketchup Day

Cheerful family having a picnic with a bottle of ketchup, dressed in summery clothes, beautiful park setting.. — National ketchup day illustration

Welcome to the sauciest day of the year! National Ketchup Day is a chance to celebrate the glorious crimson condiment that adds flavor and flair to our favorite foods. Whether you're a devoted ketchup devotee or just a casual squirt-er, get ready to dive into the tangy world of ketchup history and all things tomato-y!

When is Ketchup Day?

It's national ketchup day on the 5th June.

A Fruity History: From Ancient Roots to Modern Bottle Squeeze

Believe it or not, the roots of ketchup can be traced all the way back to ancient China. While today's ketchup is made from tomatoes, the original condiment was created from fermented fish guts. Yes, you heard that right. Fish sauce was once the ultimate umami delight.

Fast forward to the 18th century when tomatoes made their debut in Europe. The British developed a sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, which they called "ketchup." It was quite different from the ketchup we know and love today, often flavored with ingredients like mushrooms, walnuts, and anchovies.

But it was the Americans who transformed ketchup into the staple we can't imagine life without. In the late 1800s, a young entrepreneur named Henry J. Heinz began bottling and selling his own version of ketchup made purely from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar. Heinz's ketchup quickly became a hit, and the rest is history!

Ketchup around the Web: Memes, Recipes, and More

The internet has embraced ketchup with open arms (or should we say squeeze bottles?). From hilarious memes featuring ketchup's love-hate relationship with French fries to mouthwatering recipes that incorporate ketchup in creative ways, there's no shortage of ketchup content online.

On National Ketchup Day, social media explodes with posts featuring ketchup-based creations that range from the mouthwatering to the downright bizarre. It's a day to showcase your love for ketchup and join the global community of ketchup enthusiasts.

Fun Fact: Ketchup and the Digestive System

Did you know that ketchup has a surprising connection to the renowned inventor Thomas Edison? In the early 1900s, Edison conducted a series of experiments to find the perfect food preservative. One of his inventions was a reformulation of ketchup that contained sodium benzoate, a compound that acts as a preservative.

So, the next time you're squeezing some ketchup onto your burger or fries, you can thank Thomas Edison for his role in making it last longer on your plate!

History behind the term 'Ketchup'

17th century

The Ancient Condiments

In the 17th century, various types of condiments were being used all around the world. In China, a fermented fish sauce called 'ke-tsiap' was popular, while in ancient Rome, a sauce called 'garum' made from fermented fish guts was favored. These early condiments laid the foundation for the evolution of ketchup.

18th century

British Introduction

In the 18th century, British sailors encountered the Chinese version of ketchup during their voyages to Southeast Asia. They brought it back to England and introduced it to the British culinary scene. The British adapted the recipe by replacing fish with mushrooms, making it more palatable to their taste buds.

19th century

Tomato Takes Over

In the early 19th century, tomatoes were considered poisonous or thought to cause diseases in many parts of the world. However, people started realizing the deliciousness of this vibrant fruit. Recipes for tomato ketchup started to appear in American cookbooks, and by the mid-19th century, tomato-based ketchup began gaining popularity rapidly.

1876

Heinz Revolution

In 1876, Henry J. Heinz created his first bottled ketchup, which became a game-changer in the industry. Heinz's ketchup was made from ripe tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices. The company's commitment to quality and innovation led to the worldwide success and domination of Heinz tomato ketchup.

20th century

Global Ketchup Phenomenon

By the 20th century, ketchup had become a global sensation. The uniquely tangy and sweet flavor of tomato ketchup found its way into burgers, fries, and countless other dishes around the world. The cultural impact of ketchup was significant, as it became an integral part of modern fast food culture and traditional cuisines alike.