The Unexpected Medicinal Origin of a World Spice

Ketchup. The word conjures images of burgers, fries, and backyard barbecues. It’s a global condiment, a staple in nearly every fast-food restaurant around the world. But few know the surprisingly bizarre journey of this ubiquitous sauce. Its past is far stranger than its present, including a period where it was promoted as medicine, prescribed by doctors, and even sold in pill form to cure what ailed you.

From Asian Origins to European Tables: The Ketchup Saga

The story begins in Asia, not with the tomato, but with fish. The term “ketchup” comes from the Chinese word “ke-tsiap” (or “kôe-chiap”), a fermented fish and salt concoction prized for enhancing flavors. European sailors, sailing the Southeast Asian seas during the 17th and 18th centuries, were captivated by this savory sauce. They brought it back home, adapting the recipe with ingredients more readily available in Europe, like walnuts and anchovies.

The Tomato’s Tumultuous Transition: From Poison to Panacea

The tomato’s journey to ketchup stardom wasn’t easy. In 18th-century Europe and the United States, tomatoes were viewed with suspicion, often thought to be poisonous due to their relationship to the nightshade family. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that scientists and doctors began to experiment with the tomato. One of the first known tomato ketchup recipes appeared in 1812, published by American scientist James Mease.

Then came Dr. John Cook Bennett, who spearheaded ketchup’s transition to medicinal status. He fervently believed that tomato ketchup possessed remarkable healing properties and began prescribing it.

Ketchup Pills and the Rise of Quackery

Dr. Bennett’s ketchup was believed to cure diarrhea, indigestion, and even jaundice. Ketchup pills soon flooded the market. This popularity led to imitators, many without medical training, creating their own versions of tomato-based “miracle cures.”

These pills were marketed widely. Unfortunately, the medical understanding of the time was limited, allowing questionable ingredients, including laxatives and even dangerous substances like mercury and lead, to be incorporated. It was all too easy to manufacture these pills and promote their benefits. The popularity of these pills became widespread, with manufacturers advertising their products for a variety of conditions.