Ketchup: A History

To many food enthusiasts, tomato ketchup is the quintessential American condiment. But ketchup was not invented in the United States, and did not always include tomatoes. The History Guy remembers the surprising history of ketchup.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by JCG

#history #thehistoryguy #ketchup

[luciennerizk]

Years ago, my husband took some packets of ketchup back to Egypt for his family to try. His youngest sister, still a teen and a very good cook, couldn't get enough! She spent so much time trying to reproduce the taste, but never quite managed it. Eventually she came to live with us in the US, and she finally got all the ketchup she could eat, and I got to enjoy all the Egyptian foods she would make.

[dfledermaus]

That earliest Chinese recipe for ketchup sounds almost exactly like how the ancient Roman fish sauce, garum, was made.

[andon_RT]

Time to ketchup on my History Guy watching.

[fredparkinson]

Thanks, I love ketchup. In the 70's I cooked ketchup for Hunt-Wesson foods. 500 gallons: 150 gallons of corn syrup, 75 gallons of salt brine, 70 gallons of vinegar, 2 cups of oleoresin capsicum and enough tomato pulp to bring to 500 gallons. Boil until thick, adding tomato pulp as necessary to maintain 500 gallons. Counting the natural sugar in the tomato, approximately 35% sugar.
To get the ketchup out, hit the side of the bottle. Forcing the ketchup to the side creates an air channel on the other side so that a vacuum doesn't form which resists the ketchup from leaving the bottle.

[tomjustis]

As much as I love history, I would have never believed ANYONE could make the history of ketchup (catsup) so damned interesting! You are amazing! Give History Cat a scratch behind the ear for me.

[josephstout]

At first I thought there couldn't possibly be enough to say about catsup to fill a fifteen minute video. But by the time it was over I found myself surprised that fifteen minutes had passed and wanting more.
Once again you've taken a mundane topic and had me engrossed until the end. You're the best!

[russellshaw]

I always enjoy the "snippets" of history you bring sir. It's so refreshing to view your presentations. No drama, no politics. Very personable delivery. Professionalism at it's finest. Thank you.

[Tobico]

I think you are perhaps a true heir of Charles Kuralt. You find the humor, pathos and humility in the subjects you expound upon. Even subjects that sound brain deadening become novel and enjoyable in your presentation. I tell everyone I can about your razzle dazzle of subjects. And really---it's only a few minutes, so why not listen and smile. Thanks so much.

[juliestevens]

This made me think of the YouTube channel "Townsends" who does history of food, tools, building, arts and skills from the 1700s. They have done a mushroom ketchup episode where they make it (and many subscribers have mentioned how good it was) and they use several of the cook books you mentioned. :o)

[bamaguy]

I love this man and his documentaries. Really good at it!

[rsattahip]

Here in Asia (Thailand) they have two kinds of Ketchup, the standard kind is a darker red, spicier and less sweet. Then there's "American Ketchup" which is the bright red sweet stuff.

[NALD]

This guy can even make ketchup an interesting topic to learn about.

[kevinhorne]

Where else can you learn this stuff?!
I almost always watch THG on TV, where one can't comment. So today I'm making the rounds to like everything I've seen. I love everything about The History Guy. The episodes are reliable, thorough, educational, and entertaining.

[frankpinmtl]

"The English started by adding 2 gallons of beer..."


Why am I not surprised?

[jamesslick]

Shout out from Pittsburgh, PA home of H. J. Heinz. My sister's house is literally feet away from where he started in Sharpsburg.

[ianmacfarlane]

The History Guy can make ANYTHING interesting.

[michaelhofer]

You did it again Mr. History Guy! You packed your lesson with facts and fun and I now know more about ketchup than I ever thought I would! Brilliance!

[pmchamlee]

Again, a delightful presentation of history which "Deserves to be remembered." What a Jewel you are!

[familyvlogs]

I am a history buff and enjoy all things about history. Love your videos

[BluDrgn]

I looked up history of ketchup as I sat here eating ketchup and I am glad I found this video. Very well done!