Ketchup's story begins in 17th-century China as a fermented fish sauce, quite different from the tomato-based condiment enjoyed today. McDonald's is a massive consumer of ketchup, highlighting its role in fast food. The challenge of ketchup's slow flow led to packaging innovations like the squeezable bottle. There are even official standards for how fast ketchup should pour! Early ketchup recipes weren't always safe, with some containing questionable ingredients. Because ketchup is a non-Newtonian fluid, there's a trick to getting it to flow more easily from a glass bottle: give it a tap near the neck of the bottle. The slight pressure will alter the viscosity just enough to get things moving. If you want to do some kitchen science playing with another non-Newtonian fluid, try mixing up some oobleck with cornstarch and water. For health-conscious consumers, checking sugar content or making homemade ketchup are good options.

Here is the basic ketchup recipe shared in the episode:

To start, you'll need a large can (about 28 ounces) of good quality crushed tomatoes or about 12 ounces of tomato paste if you prefer a richer, more concentrated base. In a medium saucepan, you can begin by sautéing a small, finely chopped onion (about 1/4 cup) in a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes or tomato paste to the saucepan.

Next, stir in about 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener – maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute work well. Start with less sweetener; you can always add more later. For spices, a classic combination includes 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of allspice (or a tiny pinch of cloves), and salt and pepper to taste – start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it cook for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If it gets too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water. Once it's reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. For an extra smooth ketchup, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (let it cool slightly first if your blender isn't designed for hot liquids) and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – perhaps more sweetener, vinegar, or salt.

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Explore the extraordinary life and work of Sir Isaac Newton in this episode! We put the famous apple and gravity story to the test (the truth is revealed at the end!). Discover "calculus," the revolutionary mathematics Newton co-developed to understand planetary motion. Uncover fascinating facts: from his groundbreaking invention of the reflecting telescope to overcome chromatic aberration, his cautious approach to publishing seminal works like "Opticks" (and the surprising origin of ROY G BIV), his deep but lesser-known dedication to alchemy, his impactful role reforming currency as Master of the Royal Mint, and his legendary intense focus. Plus, learn how Newton's First Law of Motion (inertia) applies to your daily life. Learn about the key achievements and intriguing facets of one of science's greatest minds, touching on physics, mathematics, and history.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

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Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the ground running with this episode of Fun Facts Daily! We'll explore the amazing world of running with fascinating history, a word of the day and a simple tip to help you avoid injuries as you ramp up your mileage. Discover why humans are naturally built for incredible endurance, capable of outrunning many animals over long distances. We'll also uncover the surprisingly royal origins of the modern marathon distance (26.2 miles!) and dive into the world of "ultramarathons" with our vocabulary word of the day.

Learn about the mind-blowing speed of the world's fastest mile, the historic legacy of the planet's oldest annual marathon, and even the quirky sport of backward running! Plus, get a practical tip to help you safely increase your running mileage. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just curious about the sport, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and inspiring stories about human perseverance and athleticism.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Get ready for some truly unbelievable bear facts on this episode of Fun Facts Daily! We journey from the frozen Arctic to the historic halls of Cambridge University to explore the fascinating world of bears. Discover the secrets of the polar bear—the world's only marine mammal bear—and find out why its fur isn't actually white. Learn about the planet's largest land carnivore, the colossal Kodiak bear, and contrast it with the tiny, honey-loving sun bear. We'll also share the wild but true story of the famous poet Lord Byron and the pet bear he defiantly kept in his college dorm room. Plus, we challenge a common belief about bears and their long winter naps. Tune in for these amazing stories, essential bear safety tips, and so much more!

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the heart of our solar system in this episode dedicated to the most fascinating facts about the sun. Discover the science behind the heliosphere, the sun's massive protective bubble that shields our planets from deep space. Explore the sun's incredible scale, accounting for 99.8% of the solar system's mass, and its immense power, from solar flares to the constant solar wind. The episode reveals how the sun acts as a cosmic artist, painting our blue skies, fiery sunsets, and the breathtaking aurora borealis. We also cover the eight-minute journey of sunlight to Earth, the ancient Egyptian worship of the sun god Ra, and a practical survival tip for using the sun for navigation. Finally, we challenge a universal assumption about the sun's appearance—is it truly the yellow it appears to be? Tune in for an in-depth look at the star we revolve around.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Journey back in time with us as we uncover the true story of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt. Find out what made her so famously beautiful and alluring. In this episode, you'll learn the surprising truth about her family's origins, her incredible talent for languages, and how she used her sharp intellect to make one of the most expensive bets in history. Cleopatra bet Marc Antony that she could spend ten million sesterces on a single dinner. After he hosted a lavish meal, she came in with a cup of vinegar. She dissolved a large pearl in the vinegar and then proceeded to drink it. We'll also explore her lesser-known accomplishments as a published author and the secrets behind her signature royal perfume.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Is the "sugar high" a scientific fact or a long-standing myth? This episode unwraps the sweet truth about candy, putting one of parenting's most common beliefs to the test. We then journey through the fascinating history of candy, from its origins as an ancient Egyptian offering to the world's oldest sweet shop, established in 1827. Discover the surprising marketing deal that created the real-life Willy Wonka Candy Company and learn the shocking identity of cotton candy's co-inventor: a dentist! From fun facts and kitchen tips to incredible art made from thousands of jelly beans, treat yourself to some fun facts about candy.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the world of academic celebrations on this episode of Fun Facts Daily! We're demystifying graduation traditions, starting with a surprising truth about why those iconic caps and gowns became customary. Learn the meaning of "regalia," and get ready for five fascinating facts: discover why honorary degrees to people who often didn't study at the university, learn about the youngest college graduate ever, and hear the incredible story of a 99-year-old who finally got his degree nearly 80 years after starting college! We'll also uncover the origins of the cap toss and the famous "Pomp and Circumstance" march. Plus, get a handy tip to keep your gown looking sharp on the big day.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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The average American owns 19 pairs of shoes. We wear them constantly, but seldom give them much thought. Learn the name for the little plastic bit at the end of your shoe laces.  The oldest known leather shoe, the Areni-1 shoe, is over 5,500 years old, predating Stonehenge and the pyramids. Sneakers with distinct left and right designs didn't appear until 1818.  Nike's iconic waffle sole was inspired by a waffle iron used by co-founder Bill Bowerman. Lastly, the Netherlands is home to the world's largest shoe collection, with over 25,000 pairs.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

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Dr. Mae Jemison is a multi-talented individual who made history as the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Before her spaceflight, she served in the Peace Corps as a medical officer in West Africa. She holds degrees in both Chemical Engineering and African and African-American Studies from Stanford University and later earned her medical degree from Cornell University. Beyond her scientific achievements, she is an accomplished dancer, even considering a professional dance career, and she made a guest appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation. After leaving NASA, she founded BioSentient Corp, a company focused on developing technology to monitor the human nervous system.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

Fun Facts Daily is an Airwave Media Podcast. If you are interested in advertising on this or any other Airwave Media show, email: [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices