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Condiments
Saturday, April 15, 2006

Although most of us love food and the many feelings and flavors it gives us, what would our meals and snacks be without condiments? Usually when we think of condiments here in the United States, the first ones that come to mind are ketchup and mustard. If we go to any hot dog stand in the country, we will find ketchup and mustard in small packages or pump bottles, to be used on our steaming hot dog. Perhaps next in popularity is mayonnaise and the larger variety of mustards. Go to any sandwich shop or delicatessen and you will find that mayonnaise and mustards are the favorite condiments for sandwiches. But although these are the most common, and the most plentiful on the condiment aisle at your local grocery store, there is a whole world of condiments out there of which we might be aware, but about which we often forget. Join me as we take a short stroll through the world of condiments.

While we already talked about mustard as one of the most popular condiments, the reality is that there are multiple types and flavors of mustards, from the popular, bright yellow, tart mustard, to spicy brown mustard, and hot mustard. There are many variations of these. I recall making the mistake of not first tasting a type of mustard I was once served at an Asian restaurant. I took a piece of rolled ham and dipped it generously into the creamy, pale yellow mustard, but once it hit my tongue, I felt smoke shoot out of my ears. It was the hottest, most painful taste I'd ever experience.

Ketchup may be derived from the tomato (or so they tell us) but there are a plethora of other tomato-based condiments that we enjoy. Salsa is made up of chopped or crushed tomatoes, and has Mexican origins. Salsa usually has a spicy zip to it and often includes jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, onions, and other spices. While salsa used to be found only on tables in Mexican food restaurants, today salsa can be bought in any supermarket, in a variety of styles and flavors. Salsa has become a popular American condiment at barbeques and picnics, as well as casual dinners.

Another item similar to salsa is chutney. Chutney originated in India and was brought to the western world in the early 1600s. Chutney, like salsa, is often made from tomatoes, but it usually has a fruit base. Chutney can be made from mangoes, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, onions, apples, guava-fruit, or just about any other fruit. Mixed with a variety of spices, including garlic, tamarind, lime or lemon juice, cayenne pepper, jalapenos, sugar, and vinegar, chutney usually has a bit of a sweet and sour flavor. In its homeland of India, chutney is usually served with curry and cold meat. Often served with bread and cheese, chutney is a pleasing condiment for any occasion from picnics to formal dinners.

Relish is another popular condiment which goes way beyond hot dog stands. Relish is primarily made from chopped pickles, yet, like chutney, relish can be made from a whole array of fruits and vegetables. Often country fruit stands will offer fresh tomato relish with a variety of added flavors.

Salad dressings are another type of condiment. Often we don't think of them as condiments, as they are usually used only on salads, but more and more people are using salad dressings on sandwiches, burgers, and even just used for dipping pieces of bread. Simple olive oil with a bit of garlic and basil is a favorite Italian condiment for dipping fresh baked bread.

Vinegar, by itself is another forgotten condiment. Vinegar has such a variety of uses; from dying Easter eggs to cleaning the kitchen sink, vinegar is a useful item, but it is also very tasty. Many people love to put vinegar on their fried seafood or their French fries. Many casual seafood restaurants will keep bottles of malt vinegar on the tables for diners to enjoy as a condiment.

There are many more condiments out there to make our food more enjoyable, or just to give an old recipe new zest. The next time you pack a picnic or prepare your favorite meal, consider adding a new or different condiment on the side, just to spice things up a bit!

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