All About Ketchup: The Sweet, Tangy Condiment We Know and Love!

Ketchup. This tangy, sweet condiment is an absolute staple in most households. Whether you’re using it to dip your fries in or to top your hot dog, ketchup is a classic favourite that’s been around for centuries. But where did ketchup come from? Is it okay for dogs to eat? How much sugar is in ketchup? Let’s dive into all the facts and history behind this beloved condiment.

Who Invented Ketchup?

The origins of ketchup are unclear and debated among food historians. Some believe it was created by Chinese sailors in the 17th century, who made a sauce from pickled fish and spices — a sauce known as ke-tchup. Others think ketchup came from Indonesian fishermen who used fermented fish as a condiment for their meals. However, what we know today as tomato ketchup originated in the 19th century when tomatoes became more readily available in North America and Europeans began making their versions of what they called “catsup”.

Is Ketchup Gluten Free?

Yes! Tomato ketchup is generally considered gluten-free because it contains no wheat or barley ingredients — two grains commonly containing gluten. However, other varieties of ketchup (such as malt vinegar-based ones) may contain gluten ingredients, so always check labels and contact manufacturers if you have any allergies or sensitivities.

Does Ketchup Need To Be Refrigerated Once Opened?

Most commercial brands of ketchup can last up to 4 months after opening without needing refrigeration; however, some experts suggest refrigerating opened bottles to be on the safe side. If you make your homemade version of ketchup, then it needs to be stored in the fridge for maximum freshness and shelf life.

How Much Is Sugar In Commercial Ketchup?

Commercial brands of tomato ketchup typically contain between 3–4 grams of sugar per tablespoon serving size — which isn’t too bad compared to other condiments such as barbecue sauces which can pack up to 10 grams per tablespoon! Keep this in mind next time you reach for the bottle at dinner time; it might not seem like much, but those extra sugars can add up over time if you’re not careful!

Does Ketchup Expire? Yes, all condiments do expire at some point! For example, unopened bottles of commercial tomato ketchup will last up to 18 months before expiring; however, once opened, they should be consumed within four months for optimal freshness — or stored in the fridge if possible!

How Did Heinz Become Famous For Its Ketchup?

Founded by Henry J Heinz in 1869, HJ Heinz Company quickly rose to fame due to its canned goods such as canned tomatoes, beans and soups. They soon expanded their product line with bottled sauces such as Worcestershire sauce, and tomato-based ketchup followed suit — leading us back to our beloved Heinz Tomato Ketchups we know today!

Can Dogs Eat Ketchup?

Generally speaking, no — plain tomato ketchup doesn’t offer any nutritional benefits for dogs, so it’s best avoided altogether (mainly since many store-bought brands also include added sugars which can cause health issues down the line). If you must give your pup something sweet, opt for natural fruit purees instead — make sure there are no additional additives before feeding them anything!

There you have everything about everyone’s favourite red condiment — from its origins to modern-day uses.

So, next time you dig into your fries with a side of delicious tangy goodness — take a moment to appreciate all that went into making this classic dish an iconic part of pop culture today! Also, remember that while tasty — too much sugar isn’t suitable for anyone, so keep an eye on how much you’re consuming now and then — especially when it comes to kids!

What are some of your favourite ways to have ketchup? Let us know in the comments!

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We offer Authentic Vietnamese-style Pho soup in Vaughan, Kleinburg, Toronto, Woodbridge, or Hamilton.

We are a growing Vietnamese restaurant committed to serving authentically prepared Asian Vietnamese foods properly and healthily.

Our PHO is a proud creation alongside many of our other menu items.

So come and enjoy some delicious Vietnamese food at one of our 4 locations across Ontario! We’re open late night to satisfy all your cravings!