From Miracle Cure to Tasty Delight
The Unbelievable History of Ketchup
Ketchup, the popular tasty and tangy condiment found on tables and in refrigerators worldwide, has a surprising and somewhat peculiar history. In the 1830s, it was not just a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs; it was actually sold as medicine — yes, medicine! A Unique Origin Ketchup’s roots can be traced back to Asia, where it was called ke- tsiap (Xiamen), a sauce made from fermented fish sauce. It made its way to Europe in the 17th century, but it looked and tasted different from the ketchup we know today, as it included ingredients like mushrooms, walnuts, and oysters — no tomatoes.
their edibility and safety. In fact, some believed tomatoes were poisonous, but Dr. Bennett aimed to market them as a safe and healthy miracle ingredient. His tomato preparation was a precursor to modern ketchup. The Transition to the Table Over time, the medicinal claims surrounding tomato- based ketchup faded, and people began enjoying its taste. A tomato-based ketchup started to appear in cookbooks as an ingredient in recipes and was commonly paired with eggs, meat, and fish. By the late 19th century,
ketchup had become a staple in American households, and companies like Heinz began mass-producing it. Today, it’s tough to imagine ketchup as anything other than a delicious topping for our favorite foods, and while tomatoes do contain antioxidants and vitamin C, we know ketchup won’t cure a sickness. However, its transformation from fish sauce to tomato medicine to a beloved topping is a remarkable twist in culinary history!
The Medicinal Claim and Tomato Connection In the 1830s, an Ohio physician named Dr. John Cook Bennett began marketing a tomato-based concoction as a medicinal elixir. Dr. Bennett claimed his tomato extract had incredible healing properties and promoted it as a cure for a wide range of ailments, including diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice, and rheumatism.
During this time, tomatoes were still relatively new in American cuisine, and many people were skeptical about
Sharing Your Gifts
Many Ways to Demonstrate the True Meaning of Giving
One of the most meaningful parts of the holiday season is how each of us can make a vital difference in the lives of others. No matter what your interests, there are a number of ways you can donate your time
and talents. In turn, you’ll make the season glow like never before for those who will directly benefit from your actions. A popular method of giving goodwill is donating presents or money. You may choose to become involved in a toy drive that your company or local organization is offering, or you could personally adopt a family in need. Either way, your efforts will be sure to make Christmas morning brighter for your neighbors. Many older Americans are living out their lives in nursing facilities and senior centers. While they are in safe locations that deliver them the food and physical care they need, in many cases, these elders are cut off from the life and traditions of Christmas they once knew. It’s not uncommon for older residents to spend the holidays without family
or visitors. You can take positive action by checking with a local nursing or senior facility to inquire about how you can make a senior’s holiday celebration better. You might have a special gift like singing, storytelling, or comedy, or you may be a great listener. In either case, your gifts will be eagerly accepted. The gift of food is always welcome and much needed for people in need. Similar to toy drives, you can get involved with a local food pantry by donating food items. If you are looking for a way to become even more directly involved, you can volunteer to deliver donated food items or meals to those in need across the region. Consider sharing your holiday cheer in ways that others will truly hold dear. To find organizations near you that you’d like to support, visit VolunteerMatch.org.
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