Yes, you read it right. Ketchup were used as medicine. In fact tomatoes were considered poisonous.



This dates as old as 1830, when tomatoes were not used for Ketchups as North Americans considered them poisonous. While Indian subcontinent used to preserve tomatoes by making ketchups, more popularly known as Chutneys from even in much older “era” in hot areas. North Americans made ketchup only with grapes, fish, mushrooms and berries.

It was in 1834 when it was published (not invented) that Tomatoes solves digestion problems (again widely known in hotter areas like Asia). It was further added that it has loads and loads of vitamins and antioxidants. Soon established to cure : Diarrhea, Indigestion, Jaundice and Rheumatism.

It was then when a product pills called “Mr. Miles” was created by Mr. Archibald Miles. But that is controversial as Dr. Bennet’s pills were the next (or prior) and a copy war like every medicine surfaced. This finally ended in 1850 when most authorities debunked ketchup as a hoax.

While tomatoes does have medicinal values but Ketchup doesnt. Reason? — It contains high amount of fructose (sugar) to make it tasty and preservable for much longer. While the Chutneys continues to be helpful!!

Good things in abundance and adulterated cannot remain good in the end. Have Chutney not ketchup. It takes effort but totally worth it, both in taste and tummy!!