Is ketchup a smoothie? It’s not. It’s safe to say this is a question we have all thought about at some point. Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
It is typically used as a dipping sauce for fries or as a topping on burgers and hot dogs. Some people believe ketchup is a smoothie because it has a smooth texture and can be made with fruit juices.
However, others contend that ketchup is not a smoothie because it does not contain milk or yogurt, which are key ingredients in most smoothies. So, what now?
Let’s take a closer look at ketchup to see if it meets the criteria of being a smoothie.
What is ketchup?
Ketchup is a topping made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. It contains 20% sugar, and as said earlier, it is typically used as a dipping sauce for fries or as a topping on burgers.
When it comes to texture, ketchup is smooth, thanks to the tomatoes used to make it. Tomatoes are high in water content and have a soft, fleshy texture. When they are blended into ketchup, this creates a smooth sauce with a slightly thick consistency.
As for taste, ketchup is tangy and sweet with a slightly acidic flavor. This is due to the vinegar that is used in the recipe.
What is a smoothie?
It is a puree made primarily from fruits. The term “smoothie” is thought to have originated in the 1920s, when two partners, Julius Free and Bill Hamlin, decided to make less acidic and frothier juice.
They blended orange juice with other ingredients to give it a flavorful taste and became the first to do so on that scale in America. You can use any combination of fruits, vegetables, juices, dairy products, and even add-ins like protein powder or flaxseed.
When it comes to texture, smoothies are typically thick and creamy due to the addition of dairy products and/or ice. However, some smoothies can be thinner if made with only fruit juices.
Is ketchup a smoothie?
As mentioned earlier, no, it is not. Although it is made with a mix of acidic ingredients, ketchup does not fall under a smoothie drink.
Reasons why tomato ketchup is not a smoothie
Perhaps you’ve heard folks say time and again that tomato ketchup is not a smoothie. Typically you’ll want to know the exact reasons for this, right? These are the answers below:
1. The method of preparation differs
Smoothies are typically made with milk, yogurt, and fruit juice, which creates a smooth, creamy texture. And they are never cooked. On the flip side, the tomatoes used in making ketchup are cooked to enable them to concentrate their flavor and viscosity.
This use of heat and reduction on the tomatoes helps them form a sauce that’s then used in making ketchup.
2. They serve different purposes
Ketchup does not contain milk or yogurt and has a thinner consistency than most smoothies. Also, it is typically used as a condiment or topping rather than being drunk on its own. Conversely, a smoothie is a purée of fresh fruit that you can easily drink without having to cook it.
3. Vinegar and sugar content
When making smoothies, you can choose to add a tablespoon of honey and any sweeter to the mix, but one thing you’re unlikely to do is add white vinegar.
On the other hand, ketchup contains high amounts of salt, vinegar, and 20% sugar. On average, a 400-gram bottle of Heinz Tomato Ketchup contains up to 88 grams of sugar. Therefore, it’s best consumed in small quantities with your fries.
Is ketchup tomato juice or jelly?
No, it’s not. Jelly is a type of preserve made from fruit juice, sugar, and pectin. It has a thick, gel-like consistency and is typically spread on toast or used as a filling for desserts.
Ketchup does not contain pectin, so it does not meet these criteria. Also, it is thinner than most jellies and has a more liquid-like consistency. So based on its ingredients and texture, ketchup is not jelly.
Additionally, tomato juice is made by blending tomatoes and straining them to remove the seeds and skin. Ketchup is made similarly, but vinegar, sugar, and spices are also added to the blend. So while ketchup does contain tomato juice, it is not simply tomato juice.
Does ketchup have any nutritional value?
Yes, ketchup does have some nutritional value. Tomatoes, the main ingredient in ketchup, are a good source of vitamins A and C. They also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to heart health and cancer prevention.
Ketchup also has vinegar, which has been shown to have health benefits such as lower blood sugar levels and improved digestion. However, ketchup is high in sugar and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
How to make homemade ketchup
Making ketchup at home is not as hectic as you previously thought. If you know the right steps to take, it can be a walk in the park any day, and guess what? It’ll still be nutrient-rich like the one you’ll have bought in the store.
Tomato Ketchup Ingredients you’ll be needing:
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Brown sugar
- Tomatoes (You can use cherry or as preferred)
- Celery seeds
- Ground cinnamon
- Apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove bud
- Chili powder
- Salt
Preparation (using fresh tomatoes)
- Step 1: Wash your tomatoes with clean water, drain, and remove any stems found on them.
- Step 2: Put all your tomatoes in a bowl and blend using a food processor or a handheld blender till they turn juicy.
- Step 3: Using a sieve, pour the juice through to remove any seeds or chunky residue
- Step 4: Pour your tomato juice into a cooking pan and allow it to boil on medium heat. Preferably for up to 45 minutes.
- Step 5: Add your ingredients to taste (go easy on the apple cider because it has a bit of sour flavor) and occasionally stir till it thickens evenly.
- Step 6: Allow it to cool for some minutes, then transfer it to a bottle or container before keeping it in the fridge.
Preparation 2 (using ready-made tomato paste):
- Step 1: Add your tomato paste to a saucepan alongside your ingredients (same as above).
- Step 2: Allow it to cook for up to 10 minutes on medium heat.
- Step 3: Stir occasionally till you achieve your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Let it cool for some minutes, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge once done.
FAQs
What are other words for “smoothie”?
Milkshake, flapjack, and nougat are other names you can substitute for the word smoothie.
SEE: McDonald’s Creamer Menu You Should Try Today
Can ketchup cause acne?
Yes, it can. This is primarily because people may be sensitive to the ingredients in ketchup, such as tomatoes or vinegar, which can trigger an acne breakout. If you notice that you are breaking out after eating ketchup, it is best to avoid it or consume it in moderation.
What makes ketchup thick?
Pectin. Without this ingredient, your ketchup will be all watery. Pectin is a large colloid molecule that is used to thicken pumpkin puree and tomato ketchup.
How long can homemade ketchup last?
If you store it in the fridge, it should last for up to 3 weeks. Otherwise, it can last 6 months in your freezer.
Conclusion
Tomato ketchup has some similarities to smoothies; for instance, they are both made from a blend of fruits and other ingredients. However, as you’ve seen earlier, it’s not a smoothie, and you cannot pull up a straw to consume it.
If you’re craving healthy ketchup, now is a good time to try your hands on it with the instructions in this guide. Pair it with your fries or as you like, and perhaps a chilled cup of smoothie, your belly will thank you for it.
Thank you for reading.
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