Before it was tomato-based, ketchup was a fermented fish sauce

How Ketchup Became America’s Favorite Sauce | Delishtory · 7:34 · Video: PBS Food · Watch at the source

In short: Explore the culinary evolution of one of America's most ubiquitous condiments. This video traces how ketchup transformed from an Asian fish preservation method into a global pantry staple.

The history of ketchup reveals a dramatic geographical and ingredient shift. It originated in China as a fermented fish sauce before migrating to England, where it was reimagined as a mushroom paste.

Eventually, the condiment evolved into the tomato-based classic familiar to modern American palates. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning host Kae Lani Palmisano, this exploration highlights how food obsessions are shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.

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