Calling All Ketchup Lovers!

When I was a kid, ketchup was a main staple in our household. Who am I kidding? It is still a big part of our menu and I just can’t eat french fries or a hamburger without it! I am not alone as it is America’s favorite condiment and can be found in 97 percent of kitchens. Apparently, President Nixon covered his cottage cheese with it, the Japanese eat it on rice, and one ice cream manufacturer allegedly once tried a ketchup ice cream. (Source: www.assortment.com). Studies show tomato ketchup can also be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer and heart disease.

Ketchup History

The word ketchup is derived from the Chinese ke-tsiap, a pickled fish sauce. It made its way to Malaysia where it became kechap and ketjap in Indonesia. Seventeenth century English sailors first discovered the delights of this Chinese condiment and brought it west. Ketchup was first mentioned in print around 1690. The Chinese version is actually more akin to a soy or Worcestershire sauce. It gradually went through various changes, particularly with the addition of tomatoes in the 1700s. By the nineteenth century, ketchup was also known as tomato soy. (Source: About.com).Early tomato versions were much thinner with a consistency more like a soy or Worcestershire sauce. Both of which are great condiments as well!

The first ketchup recipe was printed in 1727 in Elizabeth Smith’s The Compleat Housewife, and called for anchovies, shallots, vinegar, white wine, sweet spices (cloves, ginger, mace, nutmeg), pepper, and lemon peel. Eighty-five years later the first tomato ketchup recipe was published in Nova Scotia by American ex-pat James Mease, which he often refers to as ‘love apple’ ketchup-he attempts to give it more cachet by stating that this variation is influenced by French cooking, although there is no proof of it.

F. & J. Heinz Company began selling tomato ketchup in 1876. By the end of the nineteenth century, tomato ketchup was the primary type of ketchup in the United States, and the descriptor of tomato was gradually dropped. (Source: www.assortment.com).

New Ketchup Company Launch:

Recently I was asked if I would partake in a new ketchup company launch and since I love this condiment – I jumped in with both hands! I can’t give out too much information about the company pre-launch, but they are offering all dandelion moms a chance to WIN some goodies. All those who take the survey will be mailed a $1-off coupon once their product becomes available in stores and one grand prize winner from among those who took the survey will win four jars of our ketchup, fun tattoos for the kids and mini porcelain serving ramekins.

So if you are intersted in providing some insight about your love of ketchup (or your kids love of ketchup) you can take the survey here and be entered to WIN the grand prize:

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/dandelionmoms