Ketchup: a Surprising 1830s Remedy

Imagine reaching into your pantry to grab a bottle of ketchup not to pair it with your fries, but instead to cure ailments like the flu and indigestion. As surprising as it may sound, this was the reality for people in the 1830s. Ketchup, a condiment famed today for its tangy taste and tomato red hue, started off as an unexpected remedy before coming to be known as an essential accompaniment for food items around the world.

Ketchup as Panacea: a Dive into the 1830s

The medicinal use of ketchup

In the 19th century, ketchup was touted more than just a sauce; it was sold as a cure. The man behind this surprising medical innovation was none other than Dr. John Cook Bennett. He professed that ketchup could treat multiple health issues including digestive disorders, diarrhea, influenza, coughs and headaches.

The surprising form of ketchup

Dr.Bennett took his belief in ketchup’s healing abilities one step further by prescribing it in a unique form: pills. Yes, you read that right; ketchup wasn’t slathered on food but swallowed down as capsule medication.

After exploring this unexpected role of ketchup in the 19th century society, let’s delve deeper into what made this ordinary condiment pass off as a miraculous medicine.

The Active Ingredients of Yesteryear’s Ketchup

The Oriental roots of Ketchup

Ketsiap, the original version of modern day ‘ketchup’, found its way from East Asia to British tables thanks to sailors who were intrigued by its unique mixture of anchovies, brines and spices.

The evolution of ketchup’s ingredients

As the sauce gained popularity, its recipe underwent changes to please the western palate. Mushroom and shallots were added before tomatoes became a major component, vastly improving the taste. The significant addition of sugar by Henry John Heinz in 1876 not only sweetened the sauce but also extended its shelf life; thus, giving birth to the famous Heinz Ketchup.

Let’s now understand how this medicinal version of ketchup transitioned back into a popular condiment over time.

The Evolution of Ketchup: from Pharmacy to Grocery Store

The role of advertising

In 1834, advertisements emerged extolling the medicinal virtues of tomatoes, further fuelling Dr. Bennett’s claims about ketchup’s healing properties and leading him to prescribe it in capsule form.

But as we know today, ketchup is no longer found in pharmacies but instead takes pride of place in grocery stores worldwide. So what led to this change ? Let’s find out.

Impacts and End of Ketchup’s Medicinal Era

Limited medical results

Despite initial enthusiasm, medical results were disappointing due to tomatoes’ low lycopene levels which undermined ketchup’s supposed curative powers.

The re-emergence of ketchup as a condiment

The lackluster healthcare outcomes quickly dampened the public’s interest in medicinal ketchup, restoring its status back to that of a beloved condiment rather than a miracle cure-all.

We’ve come full circle exploring how this humble sauce played an unexpected role as a remedy before returning to being just our favorite go-to condiment. As we relish our burgers or fries with generous servings of ketchup, let’s remember this curious chapter from its history where it was viewed as more than just a tangy treat.