google google google... http://www.historychannel.com/americaneats/guide.jsp Condiments Wednesday, August 30 at 11:00pm ET Throughout history, condiments have been versatile and delicious accompaniments that add salt and moisture or spice up the flavor of food. In the 13th century, "sauce hawkers" peddled their savory wares on Parisian streets at dinnertime. Though considered an American invention, early versions of ketchup can be traced back to European fish sauces used in the 18th century to help brine food and stop the growth of bacteria. Mustard seeds were purportedly first brought to the city of Dijon and its surrounding fields by Caesar. Mayonnaise was invented by the French chef of Duc de Richelieu, who, after beating the British in 1756, created a victory feast that included a sauce made of cream and eggs. Realizing there was no cream in the kitchen, the chef substituted olive oil--our obsession with mayonnaise was born. From soy sauce to maple syrup, today we find condiments as varied as the people who live here. Condiments Thursday, August 31 at 3:00am ET Throughout history, condiments have been versatile and delicious accompaniments that add salt and moisture or spice up the flavor of food. In the 13th century, "sauce hawkers" peddled their savory wares on Parisian streets at dinnertime. Though considered an American invention, early versions of ketchup can be traced back to European fish sauces used in the 18th century to help brine food and stop the growth of bacteria. Mustard seeds were purportedly first brought to the city of Dijon and its surrounding fields by Caesar. Mayonnaise was invented by the French chef of Duc de Richelieu, who, after beating the British in 1756, created a victory feast that included a sauce made of cream and eggs. Realizing there was no cream in the kitchen, the chef substituted olive oil--our obsession with mayonnaise was born. From soy sauce to maple syrup, today we find condiments as varied as the people who live here.