Title: The Surprisingly Ancient History of Ketchup - HISTORY
Headings: The Surprisingly Ancient History of Ketchup
The Surprisingly Ancient History of Ketchup
Ketchup's ancient history
The golden age of ketchup
Tomato ketchup is invented
FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.
SIGN UP FOR MORE HISTORY!

Content: Both these processes led to a highly concentrated end product: a salty, spicy flavor bomb that could last for a long time without going bad. One oyster ketchup recipe from the 1700s called for 100 oysters, three pints of white wine and lemon peels spiked with mace and cloves. The commemorative “Prince of Wales” ketchup, meanwhile, was made from elderberries and anchovies. Mushroom ketchup was apparently Jane Austen's favorite. pinterest-pin-it
Advertising Archive/Everett
Tomato ketchup is invented
Finally, in 1812, the first recipe for tomato-based ketchup debuted. James Mease, a Philadelphia scientist, is credited with developing the recipe. He wrote that the choicest ketchup came from “love apples,” as tomatoes were then called. ( Some believed tomatoes had aphrodisiac powers.) Before vinegar became a standard ingredient, preservation of tomato-based sauces was an issue, as the fruits would quickly decompose.