What is the Difference Between Ketchup and Catsup?

Ketchup and catsup are two different terms for the same condiment, which is usually made with ripened tomatoes. There is no difference between the two, and you can call the substance by either name. Both ketchup and catsup contain similar ingredients, such as tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. However, manufacturers may vary their recipes by adding vegetables like onions and celery, as well as other spices like pepper and garlic. Sometimes, catsup may be more spicy than ketchup.

The terms "ketchup" and "catsup" have different origins. Ketchup is believed to have originated from "ke-chiap" (sometimes written as "ke-tsiap"), which was a pickled fish sauce popular in China. European traders loved the sauce and brought it west with them in the 17th century. On the other hand, some believe that the term "catsup" may have come from "kicap" (or "kecap" or "ketjap"), which was a sauce made of brined shellfish, herbs, and spices in Indonesia.

Today, "ketchup" is the dominant term in most countries, while "catsup" is still used occasionally in the southern United States. The choice between "ketchup" and "catsup" is more about regional preferences and branding rather than any significant difference in the condiment itself.

Comparative Table: Ketchup vs Catsup

Ketchup and catsup are essentially the same condiment, made with similar ingredients. The primary difference between the two is the spelling and regional preferences. Here is a table comparing the ingredients and other aspects of ketchup and catsup:

Both ketchup and catsup have a long history, with the modern version of the condiment evolving from Chinese ke-chiap or Indonesian kicap condiments. The term "ketchup" entered the English language in 1711, and the condiment has since become a popular addition to various dishes. Some sources claim that catsup may have had a slightly different recipe at one point, including ingredients like walnuts, mushrooms, and anchovies, but the two terms have largely become synonymous.