kat-sup. ket-chup. catsup.
When you think of ketchup, you think of tomatoes.
Tomato-Tomahto.
You also think of Heinz, the #1 ketchup producer in the world.
The average American* eats THREE bottles a year. Like, woah. Three bottles. We go through one a year, maximum.
Controversy arose in my kitchen when I made a non-tomato based ketchup. No tomatoes? That isn’t ketchup! Well I am setting things straight right here and now. Ketchup does not need to include tomatoes! In fact, (and I gathered my facts from the venerable source of wikipedia), tomato ketchup gained popularity a full century after traditionally made ketchups, which refer only to a sauce with a vinegar base. Huzzah.
I had a whack of rhubarb and wanted to preserve it somehow, but didn’t want to make more jam. I came across a blog that had a year-long canning challenge, Tigress in a Jam. As jealous as I am that I am not a part of it, I am participating by making some of their delicious recipes, like the Cavalier Ginger & Rhubarb Ketchup from the blog, Laundry Etc. I had never made a ketchup before but had tasted a rhubarb ketchup at the buddha dog corn-dog stand at the farmers market on Saturday and was smitten. I had to have it in my very own pantry. So, now I do.
In three weeks, I am the proud owner of my very own homemade controversial non-tomato rhubarb ketchup. Victory!
*not sure about Canadians
Yum. Wow. I am going to make yummy things like this come september! :)Fabulous. Love it. I love to try non traditional things btw. So anytime you want me to test something out I'm game!
How great for me to see my 'cavalier' title on your jars. I hope you like the ketchup. I have taken to making a vegetarian hot dog and dolloping rhubarb ketchup on it and it is delicious. I'm glad to have found your blog and will be back soon.