Ketchup

Ketchup

Definition:

Ketchup is a thick, sweet, and tangy condiment made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is commonly used as a dipping sauce for fries, burgers, and other fried foods.

History:

The origins of ketchup can be traced back to the early 17th century in China, where a fermented fish sauce called "ke-tsiap" was used as a condiment. This sauce was later introduced to Southeast Asia and Europe by British traders.

In the 18th century, ketchup began to be made with tomatoes in England. The first known recipe for tomato ketchup was published in 1732 by Hannah Glasse in her cookbook "The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy."

Ingredients:

The main ingredients in ketchup are:

Other ingredients that may be added include:

Production:

Ketchup is typically made by:

1. Washing and sorting tomatoes.

2. Cooking the tomatoes to extract the juice.

3. Adding vinegar, sugar, and spices to the tomato juice.

4. Simmering the mixture until it thickens.

5. Bottling and sterilizing the ketchup.

Nutritional Value:

Ketchup is a low-calorie condiment, with approximately 15 calories per tablespoon. It is also a good source of:

Uses:

Ketchup is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways, including:

Variations:

There are many variations of ketchup available, including: