Ketchup was originally a fish sauce, derived from the Chinese phrase ke-tsiap. Anchovies that had been fermented and dissolved in brine were the most prevalent. This tasty morsel was discovered by sailors in the 1600s and transported to Europe. Over the next centuries, cooks experimented with the recipe, adding and removing various elements. Tomato soy was introduced in the 1700s and was referred to as tomato soy. Ketchup, which was runny and contained little to no sugar when it was introduced to the Americas in the 1780s, became popular in the New World. Even while ketchup has been mentioned in print as long back as 1690, the first known recipe for tomato ketchup was published in 1812 by James Mease.
One thing is certain: Americans will not tolerate attempts to change their childhood favorite condiment. However, Heinz and its tomato ketchup competitors are here to stay, and they aren’t going anywhere. There are a lot other fermented non-tomato ketchups and ketchup brands out there which have been around for nearly as long as soy and fish sauce.
Ketchups with a Twist
Rather of relying just on tomato ketchup on your hamburger, why not experiment with some bacon ketchup? That plate of fries may use some blackberry and hot pepper sauce, or something else entirely. Sometimes it’s a good idea to spice things up a bit and add a little something unexpected to your regular meals. If you’re a home canner who’s sick of making the same old thing over and over again, consider trying something different.
For the special man in your life, perhaps a little beer ketchup. It’s a certain way to rekindle his feelings for you. The kids could also use some banana and mango ketchup on their chicken. Ketchup’s potential applications are nearly endless. Some fruits and vegetables, however, cannot withstand the ketchup treatment.
An alphabetical list of world ketchups (from A-almost Z) appears on the side. Some of these haven’t been around since the Middle Ages. Many of these complement burgers, fries, bratwurst, and hot dogs perfectly. Fish is better for certain people. As long as you’re an adventurer, there are no limits to what you can do.
Other Kinds of Ketchup
1. Jalapeño Ketchup
Typical tomato ketchup does not have a single spiciness to it. In fact, some individuals would like if it had a little more heat to it. Since ketchup is sweeter than spicy, it alters the flavor profile considerably. There is a jalapeño version of conventional ketchup if you prefer it hotter than most people like their food.
In terms of consistency, the best thing about jalapeño ketchup is that it’s exactly the same as regular ketchup. Jalapeño ketchup has a fiery flavor profile that could be appealing to your family if they’re looking for something new. Jalapeño ketchup, on the other hand, is usually gluten-free.
2. Mushroom Ketchup
It’s another type of ketchup that just a handful of companies produce. Pies, puddings, and sauces often call for this particular brand of ketchup. The overall flavor is versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes, including meat and soups. The mushroom ketchup has a flavor comparable to Worcestershire sauce for people who enjoy it.
Although the mushroom ketchup isn’t particularly hot, you can definitely taste the mushroom in it. Try the mushroom ketchup if you’re a mushroom fan and enjoy the particular flavor profile they provide to a dish.
3. Ketchup without Tomatoes
Even while tomato allergies aren’t the most frequent, they might nonetheless occur in some people. Tomatoes should be avoided by those with autoimmune diseases on occasion. If you’ve always loved tomatoes but can no longer eat them with ketchup, there are other condiments you can use.
It tastes precisely like regular ketchup, except instead of tomatoes, this version uses carrots, beets, and balsamic vinegar. Depending on the brand, the tomato-free ketchup that you buy will taste different. In addition to being devoid of artificial colors and preservatives, most of these ketchup selections are also gluten free. A ketchup with a more natural ingredient list tends to be sought out by those who need to avoid specific substances in their diet. As a result, the tomato sans ketchup is likewise gluten-free.
4. Balsamic Ketchup
Ketchup with balsamic vinegar is a product that includes tomatoes, sugar, and other ingredients. There is a balsamic ketchup out there if you like the flavor of balsamic vinegar in your salad dressing or on your sandwich. As a result, many people find this to be an excellent ketchup substitute that can be kept in the cupboard at all times.
5. Curry Ketchup
The curry ketchup is a spicy, sweet, and tangy concoction of flavors. Some of the ingredients in the curry ketchup are brown sugar, turmeric, garlic, and even the tamarind fruit. If you buy curry ketchup, you may expect it to taste different from traditional ketchup because of the variations in the ingredients. Bratwurst is one of the most typical dishes served with curry ketchup.
As a side note, some people enjoy using curry ketchup on their French fries in order to alter the flavor profile of the dish. Curry ketchup can be used in a variety of ways, so long as you’re prepared for a somewhat different flavor than your usual ketchup. Higher-end ketchup producers often offer curry ketchup, which is free of artificial preservatives and made in small amounts. This curry ketchup is a great alternative if you’ve grown tired of regular ketchup.
6. Banana Ketchup
It’s possible that the idea of banana ketchup sounds absurd. Banana ketchup differs significantly from ordinary ketchup, as you’ll see when you dissect it. In the Caribbean, this is more of a staple food, and it’s utilized in a lot of dishes. The bananas in the Caribbean banana ketchup sweeten it without adding any sugar.
The banana ketchup is an excellent option when you’re looking for a fresh BBQ sauce or marinade. This has a distinct flavor that will set it apart from other ketchups on the market. Don’t think of this as a total replacement for ketchup, but rather, think of it as a substitute when serving Caribbean food.