M&D p.71 -- Ketjap

[Joe Varo]

Back then, was it the tomato based substance we know today, or something
else altogether?


On Fri, 2 May 1997, Paul Murphy wrote:

> ****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
> 
>