It’s Fun to Know: The Origin of Ketchup

The ketchup on American tables today has come a long way. It originated in China more than 500 years ago, and was called “ke-tsiap.” That version, which also migrated to Malaysia and Indonesia over the years, was more like soy sauce, and contained no tomatoes. European traders brought the recipe back home sometime in the 17th century, and created variations using anchovies, shallots, mushrooms, and other ingredients. Eventually, somebody added tomatoes – and the popular condiment we know today was born.

(Source: Mental Floss)

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