Well, Mike, I gave up trying to figure out what "tomato sauce" means as
applied to so many different countries and cultures. I know what it
means to me so I just read the labels (if I actually have to buy the
stuff) until I find the one I want.

When I was learning to can, etc. tomato sauce was simply plain ripe
tomatoes put through the strainer (a Squeezo, IIRC) and simply simmered
to the desired thickness. Occ. a touch of salt was added, but nothing
else. It was then modified with seasoning, etc. at the time of use for
whatever we were cooking.

Definitely is interesting, though, to see such a basic product refered
to in so many different styles. Sort of the same thing with "ketchup,
catsup, etc." When it's made with grapes, or carrots, or other fruits
it was still called a "ketchup" 60 - 70 years ago. Now days, its
usually referred to as a sauce.

Language is definitely an interesting aspect of food history.

Kacey

Michael Horowitz wrote:
> wrote:
>
>
wrote in message >. ..
>>
>>>I ask because as an Australian who speaks reasonably fluent American
>>>English :-) I know that the same term does not mean the same thing in
>>>each country. Australian "tomato sauce" is what the Americans call
>>>"ketchup"; whereas what the Americans call "tomato sauce" would be
>>>called "pasta sauce" by Australians. Who was it who first said, "Two
>>>countries divided by a single language"? :-)
>>
>>
> I'm sure glad someone started this thread.
> Upfront admission: I usually get wrapped around the axle until
> everyone around me says "geeze, you're thinking too much about this"
> but ...
> If I go to the supermarket and look for "tomato sauce" I get a can of
> thick tomato something, which (in my limited experience) seems to form
> a base for further work.
> Now Alton Brown (TV cook) makes what he calls a tomato sauce which is
> outstanding: major steps were the use of aromatics and the saving and
> thickening of the tomato liquid. This sauce can be added as is (well,
> with a quick whirl in the blender or not) over pasta, over meatballs,
> over chicken.
> It would have made more sense to me for him to have called this
> something like a "General Purpose tomato-based topping" as opposed to
> "tomato sauce".
> Anyone else scratching their heads over "tomato sauce"? - Mike

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