Did you know: In the 1830s, ketchup was sold as a medicine to treat indigestion and other ailments?
ketchup, especially tomato ketchup, was sold as a medicine to treat various ailments, including indigestion, diarrhea, and jaundice, by individuals like Dr. John Cook Bennett.
Here's more detail:
The "Ketchup Cure":
Dr. John Cook Bennett, an Ohio physician, popularized the idea of ketchup as a medicinal remedy. He believed tomatoes contained beneficial nutrients that could combat common ailments, including indigestion and diarrhea.
"Tomato Pills":
Bennett even created "tomato pills" containing the ketchup mix, marketing it as a cure-all for various health problems.
Early Ketchup:
Before the 1830s, ketchup had a broader, more complex definition, often including fermented fish or mushroom sauces. The tomato-based ketchup emerged in the 1830s and gained popularity as a medicine.
Fading Medical Hype:
The medical craze for ketchup didn't last long. As other vendors began to produce and sell ketchup, the market reportedly collapsed in the 1850s.
Popularity as a Condiment:
The tomato-based ketchup we know today, as a condiment, was not popularized until the late 1800s.
Here's more detail:
The "Ketchup Cure":
Dr. John Cook Bennett, an Ohio physician, popularized the idea of ketchup as a medicinal remedy. He believed tomatoes contained beneficial nutrients that could combat common ailments, including indigestion and diarrhea.
"Tomato Pills":
Bennett even created "tomato pills" containing the ketchup mix, marketing it as a cure-all for various health problems.
Early Ketchup:
Before the 1830s, ketchup had a broader, more complex definition, often including fermented fish or mushroom sauces. The tomato-based ketchup emerged in the 1830s and gained popularity as a medicine.
Fading Medical Hype:
The medical craze for ketchup didn't last long. As other vendors began to produce and sell ketchup, the market reportedly collapsed in the 1850s.
Popularity as a Condiment:
The tomato-based ketchup we know today, as a condiment, was not popularized until the late 1800s.
