Ketchup

Description

Ketchup is a thick, smooth sauce with an intense red color and a distinct sweet-and-sour flavor, dominated by a tomato note and a subtle spicy mastery of ingredients like vinegar, onion, and spices. Its velvety consistency makes it adhere perfectly to dishes, serving as a classic accompaniment to fries, burgers, hot dogs, grilled meats, as well as a base for marinades, glazes, dips, and salad or one-pot dish sauces. Nutritionally, ketchup is low in fat, providing small amounts of vitamin C and lycopene — an antioxidant from tomatoes — but it can be high in sugar and salt, so it's best to consume it in moderation or choose versions with reduced sugar and salt content. Store an unopened jar in a cool, dry place; once opened, keep it in the refrigerator, maintain the cleanliness of the lid, and use it within a few months. Homemade versions allow for control over the ingredients and can enhance health benefits.