M&D p.71 -- Ketjap

[KENNETH HOUGHTON]

     Yes, but what are the ingredients?  It's unlikely (at best) to be 
     tomato-based. (New World fruit, after all)


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: M&D p.71 -- Ketjap
Author:  paul.murphy at utoronto.ca (Paul Murphy) at dbnaccip
Date:    5/2/97 1:51 AM


****Mason & Dixon spoiler****
     
Not much of a spoiler, but this is in response to the question of 
anachronism raised with respect to the discussion of *Ketjap* on p.71. 
According to the on-line OED, 'ketchup' entered the English language in 
1711; Chinese *koechiap*, Malay *kechap*, Dutch *ketjap*.
Since Mason and Dixon are conversing about the 'Malay' food they're eating 
while sojourning in Dutch-speaking South Africa, the term seems 
historically accurate -- I'm no historian of condiments, but I imagine the 
18th century spice trade would allow for the appearance of Indonesian 
Ketjap (which one can still find in just about any present-day Dutch 
supermarket) in the place and time TRP is describing.
     
Cheers,
Paul