Heinz ketchup in the signature bottle
Heinz ketchup is a staple among many restaurants and diners, but there is much more to the red tomato sauce than just the perfect pairing with french fries. Henry John Heinz invented ketchup in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1876 as a way to spice up American cuisine. Since that time hot dogs, hamburgers and, of course, french fries, have never been the same.
Cat Sup was the Inspiration Behind Ketchup
In 1876 Henry John Heinz invented ketchup by altering a recipe for Cat Sup, an Asian fish sauce that was put on everything. Prior to this adaptation, ketchup did not exist, although the Heinz company did. The Heinz, Noble & Company was started in 1869 by 25-year-old H.J. Heinz and L.C. Noble.
The "57" is Just a Number
H.J. Heinz coined the phrase "57 varieties," which helped market all the Heinz products and showcase the wide variety of condiments offered to spice up the bland American cuisine. Even before "57 varieties" became a household phrase, the Heinz company had more than 57 products. H.J. Heinz played around with the phrase using different numbers, but the "57" stuck and can still be seen on Heinz products today.
Ketchup was Not the First Product from Heinz
H.J. Heinz and L.C. Noble started the company bottling Heinz's mother's horseradish recipe. They choose to use clear glass bottles to show off the quality of the contents. Soon the business expanded to include vinegar, pickles and sauerkraut. Ketchup became the number one selling product for Heinz soon after the invention and remains so today.
Other Notable Facts
Heinz ketchup recipe has remained the same for the most part since the recipe first originated. Ketchup is no longer made in the original Heinz manufacturing plant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, although Heinz still owns the building and produces tuna fish and cat food there. The company has expanded far beyond the "57" varieties, now selling more than 6,000 products in 200 countries worldwide.
Tags: Heinz Noble, although Heinz, American cuisine, french fries, Heinz company, Heinz invented, Heinz invented ketchup