Tag: Dr john cook bennett

Believe it or not, from 1834 to around 1850, ketchup was indeed sold as a medicine, not a condiment, and was believed to cure a variety of ailments. This strange chapter in food history was led by an Ohio physician who touted its curative properties, a far cry from the beloved burger topping we know today.

According to reports, tomato ketchup was marketed as a medicine in the 1830s, a surprising fact considering its status as a popular condiment today. The sauce was believed to have potent medicinal properties and was sold as a cure for a range of ailments.

In the 1830s, an American physician promoted tomato ketchup as a cure for ailments like indigestion and diarrhea. This historical medicinal use of ketchup led to the bizarre craze of 'tomato pills,' a far cry from its modern role as a simple condiment.