Do You Know Ketchup Was Once Sold as Medicine? Here’s The Fascinating History

History of Ketchup: The tangy red sauce that we all love on sandwiches, burgers, and fries, ketchup, has a much more fascinating history than most people know. Although it's one of the most popular condiments in the world today, ketchup was actually marketed as medicine in the 19th century. You read correctly! People thought tomato ketchup could treat conditions like jaundice, diarrhoea, and indigestion in the early 1800s. Companies promoted it as a natural health tonic, and doctors prescribed it as a pill.

However, the story of ketchup doesn't stop there. Its origins date back hundreds of years before tomatoes were even invented, starting with an ancient Chinese fermented fish sauce. This sauce changed over time as it travelled through Asia, Europe, and America, changing ingredients and uses. Here's an interesting look at how ketchup evolved from a medicinal remedy to one of the most popular sauces on every dinner table.

The Ancient Origins of Ketchup

History of Ketchup (Image: Canva)

Long before tomatoes were discovered by Europeans, in the 17th century, a fermented fish sauce known as ketchup (or ke-tsiap) was made in ancient China. It was a salty, tangy liquid used to enhance food flavour, much like modern Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce. Traders introduced it to other regions of Asia, and it quickly became well-liked in Europe.

During their trade with Asia, the British tried to replicate ke-tsiap using regional ingredients like anchovies, walnuts and mushrooms. The end product was a savoury, dark sauce that was very different from modern tomato ketchup.

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When Ketchup Became a Medicine?

American physician John Cook Bennett made a startling assertion at the beginning of the nineteenth century: he thought tomatoes had strong therapeutic qualities. Since tomatoes were members of the nightshade family at the time, many people believed they were poisonous. However, Bennett contended that tomatoes could help with several digestive issues.

He created a "tomato ketchup medicine" in 1834 and promoted it as a remedy for liver disorders, diarrhea, and indigestion. People started purchasing ketchup pills as a natural remedy after pharmacists started making them. Unlike the sweetened ketchup of today, the tomato-based ketchup was thick, tangy, and mildly spicy.

However, the trend didn’t last long. When other producers started making fake ketchup medicines that didn’t work, people stopped believing in their healing powers. By the 1850s, ketchup’s reputation as a medicine faded away.

The Rise of Modern Tomato Ketchup

History of ketchup (Image: Canva)

Despite losing its reputation as a medicine, ketchup was already becoming more and more well-liked as a condiment. In order to extend its shelf life and enhance the taste, ketchup manufacturers started incorporating sugar and vinegar by the late 1800s.

By developing the first commercial tomato ketchup under the name Heinz Ketchup in 1876, Henry J. Heinz transformed the product. His version, which was made with fresh tomatoes and was thicker and sweeter, became a household favourite very fast. Ketchup went from being a health tonic to becoming a common condiment all over the world thanks to Heinz's emphasis on flavour and purity.

Fun Facts About Ketchup’s Journey

* The word ketchup is derived from the Chinese word “ke-tsiap.”
* Early ketchup recipes had no tomatoes — they used mushrooms, walnuts, or oysters.
* Heinz introduced the famous glass bottle and “57 varieties” slogan in the late 1800s.
* Americans consume over 10 billion ounces of ketchup every year!

ALSO READ: 5 Lesser-Known Ways To Use Tomato Ketchup Beyond Cooking

The history of ketchup, from fermented fish sauce to "miracle medicine" to a worldwide table favourite, is incredibly intriguing. Instead, what began as a body-healing experiment ended up curing hunger! The next time you squeeze ketchup over fries, keep in mind that you're savouring a sauce with an unexpectedly deep and flavourful history.