Ketchup History

I love ketchup. Most people who know me understand this. I even have a t-shirt with the saying “What is life without ketchup?” Ketchup does not belong on everything, but it could go on anything. While I was thinking of all the wonderful things to eat ketchup with I wondered where ketchup began and decided to research it. Here is a basic history for anyone who appreciates ketchup.

• A pickled fish sauce called ‘ketsiap’ was brought by 17th century sailors from China. This ketsiap resembled soy sauce more than the vinegar version of today.

• In 1727, Elizabeth Smith printed the first recipe in The Complete Housewife. This recipe included anchovies, shallots, vinegar, white wine, and sweet spices.

• A New England farmer offered it for sale in 1830 for about 35 cents a jar.

• In the 1830's, recipes began appearing everywhere featuring mushrooms in the British versions and tomatoes in the US versions.

• Jonas Yerkes was selling ketchup nationwide by 1837, he sold the product in quart and pint bottles.

• In the 1870’s, HJ Heinz added ketchup to his line and the formula has not changed since. Most companies of today follow this formula.

• By 1900 there were over 100 manufacturers of ketchup.