What are the boxes that condiments have to tick in order to be deemed as such?

Question

For example,jars of Pickled Onion, pickled beetroot and pickled cabbage - I would consider as condiments, but they prove to be somewhat controversial members of the condiment cupboard when suggesting this to friends. Thus making me question, what IS the criteria that makes something a 'real' condiment.

Answer 1

A condiment is something that enhances the flavour of food. Salt, pepper, and to some extent vinegar. Where you draw the line depends on your personal taste, for example tomato ketchup, tartare sauce, lemon juice - it's a grey area.

Answer 2

I'd say a condiment is something that can be put on something else. Such as Hotdogs, Hamburgers, Chicken, ect.

What do you put Pickled Onion, Beetroot, and Cabbage on?

Answer 3

Check out Wiki at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condiment as they have a good answer to your question. But to summarise: a "condiment is a prepared food, often preserved or fermented, that is added in variable quantities, most often at the table, to the diner's taste." A condiment is something like brown sauce, mayonnaise, etc.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Perhaps its all a ploy used by landladies to strangle another penny out of the poor traveller. I remember years ago the last item on our bill for the week was - Use of Cruet 6d. If they can mask things such as beetroot, corn relish and tomato sauce to bring them in line with salt & pepper they can slide another £1.00 onto our bills.

Answer 5

it is something you put on food to flavor it ketsup mustard mayo BBQ sauce salt pepper etc
korkie