National Ketchup Day
National Ketchup Day celebrates America’s beloved tomato-based condiment that has become a staple in households and restaurants across the nation. This special day honors the sweet and tangy sauce that accompanies countless dishes.
Quick Facts
- When is it: June 5th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalKetchupDay #CatsupDay
- When was it founded: 2013
- Who founded it: Foodimentary
History of Ketchup
Ketchup’s journey began in ancient China as a fermented fish sauce called “kôe-chiap.” British traders brought this sauce to Europe, where it evolved through various iterations including mushroom and walnut-based versions. The first tomato ketchup recipe emerged in 1812 by James Mease, but it wasn’t until Henry J. Heinz created his version in 1876 that modern ketchup was born.
Timeline
• 300 BC: Original fish-based ketchup in China
• 1690: First appearance of “catsup” in Britain
• 1812: First tomato ketchup recipe
• 1876: Heinz launches tomato ketchup
• 2000: Colored ketchup introduced
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June | 5 | Thursday |
Observed
The holiday is celebrated nationwide with special promotions at restaurants, cooking events, and social media campaigns celebrating America’s favorite condiment.
Fun Facts About Ketchup
• Present in 97% of American households
• Originally sold as medicine in the 1830s
• Contains no artificial preservatives
• Takes 4 tablespoons to equal one tomato’s nutrition
• Americans consume $800 million worth annually
Quiz
- What was ketchup originally made from?
- When did Heinz start producing ketchup?
- What country invented ketchup?
(Answers: Fish sauce, 1876, China)
FAQs
• Why is it called ketchup? From Chinese “kôe-chiap”
• Is ketchup healthy? Contains lycopene, an antioxidant
• Who makes the most ketchup? Heinz is the world’s largest producer
Related
• National French Fry Day
• National Hot Dog Day
• National Hamburger Day
• National Condiment Day
• National Fast Food Day