From Anchovies to Tomatoes: The Fascinating History of Ketchup
Illustration made by Twocatsandpossum.
Explore the Evolution of Ketchup with a New Illustrated Story from Silly Butts Food Fan Facts.
Did you know that ketchup wasn't always made from tomatoes? It may be hard to believe, but it's true.
Ketchup was a sauce made from anchovies and beer before Dr. John Cooke Bennett decided to add tomatoes in 1834.
While studying the chemical makeup of tomatoes, an idea struck him.
"Considering the abundance of nutrients in tomatoes, such as pectin and lycopene, they can be utilized as a form of medication," he exclaimed excitedly.
The idea took little time to materialize.
Dr. Bennett promptly connected with a pharmacist he was acquainted with, and they commenced marketing a fresh tomato ketchup that claimed to help alleviate diarrhea, indigestion, and even rheumatism.
And it was a boom! People liked Dr. John's tomato remedy sauce so much that he soon created pills with tomato extract and was ready for more. Unfortunately, the empire of tomato medicine didn't last long and fell apart due to many imitators and fakes.
But as a keepsake of this story, we now have our tomato ketchup without beer and anchovies. Can you imagine sauce from anchovies and beer?
And also, we can rest easy knowing that diarrhea will not afflict us as long as we have tomato ketchup.
Are you a fan of Silly Butts Food Fun Facts like me?
If yes, you can help me survive another night of writing and sketching without losing my mind by buying me a cup of coffee.
I always feel more inspired to come up with fun and silly food facts after having a good amount of caffeine!
One loyal supporter is worth more than a thousand followers.
Thank you for the coffee!
Come connect with me on social media and gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and funny bonuses that will brighten your day.
If you missed the last episode of the Silly Butts Food Fun Facts series, don't worry, I won't spoil it for you.
But, between us, you should read them all!
Did you know that a corned beef sandwich almost caused a disaster in space? Let’s dive into the mischievous tale of astronaut Wally Schirra and his sneaky surprise for his friend John Young in space. Discover how a simple sandwich turned into a crumb-filled cosmic caper, causing a ripple of laughter and a touch of scandal. From floating crumbs to a legendary exhibit, this fun fact story will leave you grinning from ear to ear.