• The origins of ketchup were apparently not tomato-based at all. And the origins of “catsup“? A derivation of the spelling “catchup” (which seems to make “ketchup” the more correct term … maybe?”)
• If you’re like me and can’t ever seem to get your ketchup fast enough out of the bottle, it’s meant to be that way: ketchup exits the iconic glass bottle at .028 miles per hour. If the viscosity of the ketchup is greater than this speed, the ketchup is rejected for sale. (Actually it’s been awhile since I’ve seen a glass bottle anywhere … remember the trick of putting the butter knife in there to aid things along?)
• For a more even distribution of ketchup, we should all thank squeeze bottle inventor Stanley I. Mason, who also gave us the peel-open Band-Aid, granola bar, plastic-underwire bra, microwave cookware or wrap and contoured disposable diapers (find a common link and win my respect).
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• Still, other methods of adding ketchup to your food could stand some improvement, like those tiny, messy packets found at fast food restaurants. Fear not! New packets are on the way – the new design has a base that is like a cup for dipping as well as a tear-off end for squeezing.
• From the town whose water tower is known as “the world’s largest ketchup bottle,” Collinsville, Illinois, later partnered with the H.J. Heinz Co. to fill an 8-foot-tall, 4-foot-wide plastic pouch with 1,500 pounds of the tomato goop for a school fundraiser.
• Speaking of Heinz: although ketchup is the most famous Heinz product today, when Henry Heinz started the Company in 1869, his first product was bottled horseradish made from his mother’s own recipe. Ketchup didn’t come along until seven years later in 1876.
• Ketchup is good for much more than just making your burger and fries tastier – it’s also rich in lycopene, which some studies have shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Ketchup can also be used to clean copper.
• Seymour, WI, claims to be the home of the hamburger, and their annual festival includes a ketchup slide. Ok, it kind of looks like they’re sliding through blood …!
• Ketchup masterpieces by toddler fools the art world. I actually have a large abstract painting hanging in my house that my summer camp kids collaborated on – everyone always thinks it’s a really expensive piece of modern art! Hmmm …
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• Some ketchup combinations are strange, like ketchup and cottage cheese (a favorite of President Nixon’s), or ketchup-flavored chips. Flossers, what are some of the more unusual things you pair your tomato-based condiment with? I’ve known people to put it on eggs and grits, but as much as I love ketchup I just can’t get behind that!
Hungry for more? Venture into the Dietribes archive.
‘Dietribes’ appears every other Wednesday. Food photos taken by Johanna Beyenbach. You might remember that name from our post about her colorful diet.
Comments (49)
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Concerning this point:
\For a more even distribution of ketchup, we should all thank squeeze bottle inventor Stanley I. Mason, who also gave us the peel-open Band-Aid, granola bar, plastic-underwire bra, microwave cookware or wrap and contoured disposable diapers (find a common link and win my respect).\
The connection would be stay-at-home moms. All of these inventions would make her tasks a bit easier, especially with multiple children. Given the date of the inventions, I don’t think I’m wrong with the assertion, or elimination of my male cohorts.
posted by Antoine RJ Wright on 2-24-2010 at 12:31 pm
If you ever encounter a brand new glass bottle of Ketchup. Just hit the “57″ on each jar. That angle and hitting the 57 will get the ketchup out of the jar without fail. It can be a little less messy than the butterknife!
I also enjoy eating onion rings with extra salt, pepper, & ketchup!
posted by Mavis on 2-24-2010 at 12:45 pm
@Antoine, as a working mom who is the product of a stay at home mom, I would guess the common link is working moms vice stay at home moms. When I did stay home, and when my own mom stayed home, there was a more time for washing diapers, fixing boo-boos, making snacks and meals, and I’m not quite sure what to say about my underwire in my bra!
posted by Hyacinth on 2-24-2010 at 12:49 pm
Ketchup chips are soooo delicious!
posted by Reese on 2-24-2010 at 12:53 pm
Well, I think I had the most bizarre taste as a child. I LOVED ketchup and……. Apples. It’s true.
posted by Hannah on 2-24-2010 at 12:55 pm
When I was a kid my mom used to put ketchup on all my food, even though I didn’t like it. On bologna sandwiches, eggs, rice, soup!!! It just had no place being in there. I can now barely stomach it and only eat it on fries and hotdogs. I’m more of a mustard girl, really.
posted by Sarah on 2-24-2010 at 1:05 pm
When we were little, we used to eat ketchup on saltines. Sounds disgusting now but we used to love them!
posted by Michelle on 2-24-2010 at 1:09 pm
I haven’t had much use for ketchup since I discovered BBQ sauce…
posted by Wayne on 2-24-2010 at 1:11 pm
I rarely eat ketchup on anything but fries. However, I do use it a lot in cooking to give something a tomato base.
Regarding the link between the things Stanley Mason invented, I would have to agree, it’s all about making our lives easier and save time. Most of use wouldn’t want to imagine our lives without any of those things.
posted by Dennis Sanders on 2-24-2010 at 1:13 pm
In Australia they have stupid little ketchup packets that you crack open to put on your food. I ruined at least three shirts while I was there because the things cracked open and splurted everywhere (though I admit that the first time I ever used them I cracked it open towards me instead of away). Maybe that’s why they charge you for ketchup over there; you’ve really gotta be willing to deal with the danger.
posted by Jenny on 2-24-2010 at 1:15 pm
@Mavis
That’s the trick I was taught when I waitressed at Johnny Rockets while going to college. People are still amazed at my ketchup pouring skills. ;)
posted by Corinne on 2-24-2010 at 1:17 pm
Ketchup chips: very Canadian, very delicious. They are not weird at all, and were such a staple of my childhood that I was shocked when I found out they were not sold ubiquitously in the US.
posted by Andrew on 2-24-2010 at 1:18 pm
Malcom Gladwell wrote a great ketchup piece in the New Yorker a few years ago. Great read: http://www.gladwell.com/2004/2004_09_06_a_ketchup.html
posted by Tom C on 2-24-2010 at 1:19 pm
Growing up we used to put ketchup on fried burritos the kinda that you would get at a gas station or something like that… Mmmm Alsup’s burritos, one of the think that I miss from childhood… but now I would eat it sans ketchup
posted by Michael on 2-24-2010 at 1:38 pm
Andrew – I know what you mean man. I was shocked to find out that most Americans are totally unfamiliar with Ketchup chips. It’s like french fries, but as chips! Totally makes sense to me.
And as for the common link between all the inventions – wouldn’t it simply be plastic? Plastic squeeze bottle, plastic backing on the Band-Aid, plastic wrapper for granola bars, plastic underwire, plastic cookware, plastic in the diaper? Did Mason happen to work for DuPont or something?
posted by Bert on 2-24-2010 at 1:41 pm
I like ketchup on meatloaf, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Anything else I can’t stand, like on french fries. I don’t know why.
And yes, I know a lot of people think ketchup on hot dogs is a crime.
posted by Not That Guy on 2-24-2010 at 1:48 pm
my husband puts ketchup on his lima beans (or succotash here in Appalachian Maryland). EEK!
posted by slcstace on 2-24-2010 at 1:53 pm
I have a friend that used to put ketchup on almost everything, including pizza, enchiladas, spaghetti, and so on.
@ Michael – Anyone who’s ever lived west of Dallas loves a good Allsup’s “Belly Bomb”
recaptcha: honduras Hospital
posted by AHI on 2-24-2010 at 2:18 pm
I used to eat scrambled eggs with a bit of ketchup. Then again, I also used to sprinkle a little sugar on sliced tomatoes. I think I did it because my father did.
posted by Sandy Wood on 2-24-2010 at 2:28 pm
@Bert
I thought plastic at first too, but the Granola bar really screws that theory up. It didn’t say he invented the wrapper too, just the bar. Plus every wrapper i’ve seen on Granola bars is in a foil wrapper.
When I was in Ireland I was charged for a Ketchup Packet I was shocked. Do you know how many of those I’ve thrown away!
posted by Brit on 2-24-2010 at 2:28 pm
Seeing as I’m from near Pittsburgh, The home of Heinz, we put it on almost everything, heck we even cook with it. My home made BBQ sauce is made with ketchup, Pepsi and hot sauce, ketchup is the base for most chipped ham BBQ and sloppy joe recipies.
posted by stesul411 on 2-24-2010 at 2:34 pm
I am not a huge ketchup eater, although I do like it on hot dogs, no matter what anyone says. I also like ketchup chips but only eat them when I travel to Canada. My son, on the other hand, will eat ketchup with just about anything!
posted by Kate on 2-24-2010 at 2:39 pm
I usually only put ketchup (or cat soup, as I sometimes call it) on meat sandwiches or on french fries. (Actually, I prefer a 2:1 mix of mayo and ketchup, plus some black pepper, for my fries.) But I have been known to add the red stuff on top of cold macaroni & cheese.
posted by amaneaux on 2-24-2010 at 2:48 pm
I put ketchup on my mashed potatoes.
It’s also good when something tomato based (like chili) has had too much spice put in, will turn down the temp.
posted by Jen on 2-24-2010 at 2:48 pm
Just an FYI, Whataburger has those dunking ketchup packets since forever! I’m not sure how far their reach is in America but they are HUGE in Texas. (and yummy).
posted by Pink Coat on 2-24-2010 at 2:58 pm
Ketchup is a must on Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
posted by Jamie on 2-24-2010 at 3:00 pm
Ketchup is also very good for removing the seafood smell from your hands after eating boiled seafood.
posted by Jim on 2-24-2010 at 3:12 pm
I can’t stand ketchup! the last time I remember eating it was when I was about 6 and got a McDonald’s hamburger without ordering it plain.
Whether you like ketchup or not, you really should never put ketchup on a hot dog… mustard is much better!
posted by Tony on 2-24-2010 at 3:14 pm
When we were kids, my brother and I always made “ketchup sandwiches” after family cookouts. Potato chips and ketchup on a hamburger bun, squished just enough to keep the chips from falling out. Sounds weird, I know, but we both swear it tastes like french fries!
posted by Lissa on 2-24-2010 at 3:14 pm
Am I the only person who’s actually excited about this new ketchup packet design? I’m a dipper and hate having to squeeze it out on my napkin.I can’t handle ketchup poured on things, never could. It grosses me out big time. When I was little I would dip everything in ketchup. My best friends parents gave me a bottle of purple ketchup for my birthday one year, I was that into it. I’ve outgrown that to be sure.
posted by Shawn on 2-24-2010 at 3:19 pm
Mason also invented Mentadent foaming toothpaste and self-heating shaving cream. Cool.
Here’s his Obituary from the NY Sun:
http://www.nysun.com/obituaries/stanley-mason-84-prolific-inventor/26170/
posted by Michelle on 2-24-2010 at 3:49 pm
What about ketchup macarons?
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2009/02/ketchup_cookies.html
recaptcha: understand metal
posted by Susie on 2-24-2010 at 4:04 pm
I like to eat Ketchup on Artichokes. Mmmm…
recaptcha: doggiest protection
posted by Kate in Italy on 2-24-2010 at 4:12 pm
Ketchup on scrambled eggs is awesome! Although, I mostly use it on french fries, burgers, onion rings, and (if tartar sauce isn’t available) fish sticks.
posted by Steve from San Diego on 2-24-2010 at 4:57 pm
I am a ketchup-aholic. I put it on all the common foods (hamburger, hot dog, fries) and also on grilled cheese and scrambled eggs, and I use it in cooking. Not a big fan of the ketchup chips, but plain Lay’s dipped in ketchup is good. Haven’t come across any of the new packets, but I’m excited that they’re 3x bigger…that will save me a lot of time pre-burger!
Anyone want to weigh in on the brand debate…my family is split down the middle 50 % Heinz and 50 % Hunt’s. I’m a Heinz girl myself…
posted by Ginny on 2-24-2010 at 4:58 pm
Ketchup and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is the best stuff EVER.
posted by fragglerocker on 2-24-2010 at 5:23 pm
@Pink Coat,
Love WhatABurger ketchup, its so easy to use and i think it tastes better
My husband makes his own Ketchup chips, he takes all the crumble in the bottom of the bag and pours them in a bowl and covers with ketchup
Yuck
posted by lindseyc on 2-24-2010 at 5:37 pm
@Ginny, my dad will only use Brooks ketchup. It’s not as common, but definitely a better taste. More flavor.
posted by Hyacinth on 2-24-2010 at 7:22 pm
Ugh. Hate the stuff. If Christian Bale stood naked before me and begged me to jump his bones but he was covered in ketchup I would not touch him.
posted by dooflotchie on 2-24-2010 at 8:16 pm
Mavis was on to something by saying “Just hit the 57 on each jar. That angle and hitting the 57 will get the ketchup out of the jar without fail.”
It’s not necessarily the angle that is important though, just the fact that it is being shaken in a controlled way. Ketchup is a “shear thinning” substance (or pseudoplastic), which means that the liquid gets thinner as it experiences shear stress, which happens as it passes over the solid interior of the bottle. You just have to be careful not to shake too violently, because if too much of it has reduced viscosity in unpredictable places, you could end up with a glob of ketchup that explodes out of the bottle.
So, this is probably why Mavis’ trick of tapping at the 57 marking works really well: it’s a controlled shaking that probably just loosens the liquid at the edges, allowing it to slide out of the bottle nicely.
posted by Qrystal on 2-25-2010 at 8:21 am
Gotta dip grilled cheese sandwiches in ketchup!
posted by Rod on 2-25-2010 at 10:21 am
I mostly put ketchup on fries and hashbrowns, but I notice I can’t stand the smell of ketchup when I am not actively eating it. I have to immediately discard left over ketchup!
posted by vegebrarian on 2-25-2010 at 10:54 am
I would also throw in Curry ketchup…a German favorite.
posted by Fruppi on 2-25-2010 at 10:57 am
I hate condiments in general, including ketchup. Anything from the goop food group kind of grosses me out. But, for a really interesting read about the history of ketchup and why there are so many kinds of mustard but only one, real ketchup, Malcom Gladwell will indulge you with this lengthy by worthwhile read. One of my journalism profs assigned this to us a while ago and it covers everything ketchup. http://www.gladwell.com/pdf/ketchup.pdf
posted by J135 on 2-25-2010 at 11:54 am
@ Tom C: sorry, I just now noticed you had already shared Gladwell’s piece.
posted by J135 on 2-25-2010 at 11:57 am
This made me think of a really odd but funny thing. I work in a pet store, and lots of parents come in with their kids to buy their first pets. I find it amusing to ask the children if they’ve picked a name for their new pet before they leave. I asked that question of a little girl one day when she was getting her first fish (a betta) and her reply was, “His name is Banana Ketchup!” Her mother laughed and gave me that “Kids say the darndest things” look then they left.
That night I was online and bored, so on a whim I Googled “banana ketchup” just to see what came up.
I was quite shocked to find out banana ketchup is actually a real thing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_ketchup
posted by dooflotchie on 2-25-2010 at 12:15 pm
@fruppi: I love german curry kechup and will put it on just about anything. It’s not all that tomato-y, so it really works.
I like fried shrimp and ketchup. I was always told that the cocktail sauce was just spicy ketchup, so my solution was to eliminate the middleman.
posted by MJ on 2-25-2010 at 12:26 pm
My son eats ketchup on Mac & Cheese, grilled cheese, plain pasta, scrambled eggs (I have to put it on them, otherwise I can’t eat them…eggs…gross…). Bringing home ketchup chips makes me Mom of the Year. My daughter use to dunk Cheerios (minus the milk) in ketchup when she was a toddler.
Captcha: bung voting
posted by Eden on 2-25-2010 at 4:11 pm
Ketchup on plain cans of beans (like kidneys or pintos, but especially dried), or cooked lentils, with a little canola oil and garlic powder. I eat this on a regular basis, it’s surprisingly satisfying and hella cheap.
My parents enjoy telling and retelling the story of the time when I was two at a church picnic, happily dipping red onion slices in ketchup (much to the amusement- or perhaps bafflement- of those around me).
(And ketchup on scrambled eggs is DELICIOUS. And, if you can find it, habanero ketchup is very good too.)
posted by Araxie on 12-31-2010 at 6:39 am