CONDIMENTS IN FOOD INDUSTRY
Introduction
A condiment is a spice, sauce, or preparation that is added to food, after cooking, to impart a specific flavor, to enhance 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 and is added to taste by the diner.
Condiments can be either simple (e.g. celery salt, garlic salt, onion salt) or compound (chili sauce, chutney, meat sauce, mint sauce, prepared mustard, etc.)
Condiments are sometimes added prior to serving, for example, in a sandwich made with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise. Some condiments are used during cooking to add flavor or texture: barbecue sauce, compound butter, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, marmite and sour cream are examples.
Condiments have been used since ancient times; the word derives from Latin meaning “pickle. Condiments are generally available in concentrated single forms or as mixtures of ingredients. Salt and sugar are the most directly used condiments and are the basic ingredients for most condiments in the world, since they enhance flavor, food safety, and storage quality. Condiments originated in different cultures of the world and can be found in liquid, semisolid, and solid forms.
Moreover, strongly flavored condiments limit consumption and prevent the overconsumption of a fortified nutrient. Unfortunately, many condiments are major sources of sodium or added sugar, which should be limited in order to reduce the increased risk of no communicable diseases.
Role of condiments
Condiments constitute a ubiquitous presence on dinner tables the world over. Not only do condiments enhance the taste/flavour of a dish, but they may also be used to add some colour/textural interest to whatever is being consumed.
Preparation and Production
Raw material must be harvested and then prepared so that it can be turned into a condiment. This section entails the pre-treatment and preparation of the condiment ingredients before they can be processed into a finished product. After the main ingredients are processed, they may be cooked and mixed with other ingredients.
Types of condiments
· Adding condiments to your meals is a great way to enhance flavor and potentially add health benefits. · However, some condiments contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial additives and high amounts of added salt and sugar.
· Healthy condiments are low in added sugar and pack nutritious ingredients like protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
FAQs
Some condiments are used during cooking to add flavour texture: barbecue sauce, compound butter, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, Marmite and sour cream are examples. Alternatively, condiments are sometimes added prior to serving, for example, in a sandwich made with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.
What are condiments in food production? ›
A condiment is a spice, sauce, or preparation that is added to food, after cooking, to impart a specific flavor, to enhance 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 and is added to taste by the diner.
What are the 7 condiments? ›
There are seven condiments that every kitchen should have:
- Quality Olive Oil. I studied abroad in Spain during college, and if I only learned one thing it is this: olive oil goes on anything. ...
- Balsamic Vinegar. ...
- Sriracha. ...
- Honey Dijon Mustard. ...
- Ketchup. ...
- Soy Sauce. ...
- Nutella.
From enhancing the taste of dishes to extending shelf life, condiments play a crucial role in the food industry. Additionally, their packaging innovation and health-conscious offerings are catering to evolving consumer preferences.
What qualifies as a condiment? ›
A condiment is a sauce or other preparation that is added to food to enhance its flavor or appearance. Condiments are usually added after the food has been cooked and can be either dry or wet. Common condiments include salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
What falls under the category of condiments? ›
Main Categories of Condiments
- Sauces. They come in various textures. ...
- Seasonings. They are usually made from herbs or vegetables. ...
- Sweet condiments. They can be used to flavor not only food but also beverages. ...
- Seed and vegetable oils. Olive oil is often used as salad dressing. ...
- Relish and salsa.
That's right—mayonnaise! According to sales figures, the creamy sandwich spread regularly accounts for more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Many consider mayo to be the top condiment in the U.S. What's the top condiment worldwide?
What are condiments in a restaurant? ›
A condiment is a preparation that is added to food, typically after cooking, to impart a specific flavor, to enhance the flavour, or to complement the dish. Some condiments are used during cooking to add flavour texture: barbecue sauce, compound butter, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, Marmite and sour cream are examples.
What are the top 3 condiments? ›
Ketchup, mustard, and mayo are some classic staples. If you were to guess ketchup as America's top pick, you might have been right a couple of years ago.
Who are the biggest condiments companies? ›
Top Companies in Sauces, Condiments, and Dressings Market
- McCormick & Company Inc.
- The Kraft Heinz Company.
- Kikkoman Corporation.
- Sweet Baby Ray's.
- Conagra Brands Inc.
In general, condiments refer to substances like ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc., used to enhance the flavor of food. If the list had an item like 'apple', which isn't typically considered a condiment, that would be your answer.
What are the big three condiments? ›
You know the triad we're talking about: ketchup, mustard, relish. Here's how they became condiment heroes.
What are examples of condiments? ›
Some condiments are used during cooking to add flavour texture: barbecue sauce, compound butter, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, Marmite and sour cream are examples. Alternatively, condiments are sometimes added prior to serving, for example, in a sandwich made with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.
What is sauces in food production? ›
sauce, liquid or semiliquid mixture that is added to a food as it cooks or that is served with it. Sauces provide flavour, moisture, and a contrast in texture and colour.
What is a condiment crop? ›
Condiment crops produce edible materials used in small amounts to impart flavour to food. These include culinary herbs, spices, and plants from which flavourful chemicals can be extracted. Fenugreek is an annual legume grown in Canada as a spice and a forage crop.
What are 5 condiments? ›
Here are five of the most popular condiments and the lowdown on their nutrition content.
- Condiment #1: Ketchup. It seems like no restaurant table is complete without the signature red bottle of Heinz ketchup. ...
- Condiment #2: Mustard. ...
- Condiment #3: Hot Sauce. ...
- Condiment #4: Mayonnaise. ...
- Condiment #5: Salsa.
