Condiment

A condiment is the preparation that is added to food, typically after cooking, to impart a specific flavor, to refresh the flavor, or to complement the dish. A table condiment or table sauce is more specifically a condiment that is served separately from the food together with is added to taste by the diner.

Condiments are sometimes added prior to serving, for example, in a teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, Marmite together with sour cream are examples.

Many condiments, such(a) as mustard or ketchup, are available in single-serving packets, ordinarily when supplied with take-out or fast-food meals.

History

Condiments were known in Ancient Rome, Ancient India, Ancient Greece and Ancient China. There is a myth that previously food preservation techniques were widespread, pungent spices and condiments were used to make-up the food more palatable, but this claim is not supported by any evidence or historical record. The Romans provided the condiments garum and liquamen by crushing the innards of various fish and then fermenting them in salt, resulting in a liquid containing glutamic acid, suitable for enhancing the flavor of food. The popularity of these sauces led to a flourishing condiment industry. Apicius, a cookbook based on fourth and fifth century cuisine, contains a segment based solely on condiments.