CNN: One of the world’s most well-known condiments made its debut at the 1876 Expo in Philadelphia.
From across the state of Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh-based food purveyor brought his newest creation to the masses: Heinz tomato ketchup. The 1876 version was originally named “catsup.” And to show his products had nothing to hide, H.J. Heinz used clear bottles, a progressive and purposeful decision for the time. The vibrant red tomato ketchup in the octagonal glass bottle has endured to become a household staple. But the history of ketchup itself dates back centuries to China, where a fish-based sauce locally known as “ke-tchup,” “koe-cheup” or “kê-tsiap,” among others (depending on translation), was picked up and carried along trade routes by the British. Ironically, a Philadelphia scientist named James Mease is credited with the first published tomato ketchup recipe, before H.J. Heinz popularized his own version six decades later at Mease’s hometown Exposition. It is believed that Heinz soon changed the name of his star product from catsup to ketchup, in an attempt to stand out from competitors. By the early 20th century, his company would become the largest producer of tomato ketchup in the world.