Today is the 130th birthday of Heinz Tomato Ketchup. Here are three dollops of facts about this finest of sauces. Firstly, the product’s original advertising slogan was: “Blessed relief for Brother and the other men in the household,” which reminds me of the modern-day slogan for Yorkie chocolate bars, “Not for Girls!” – but without any of the irony. Secondly, ketchup is a thixotropic substance – it flows under pressure. Here is an article explaining the correct method to pour ketchup from a glass bottle. Thirdly, but this isn’t research because my granpa told me, if you cover a very old coin overnight with ketchup, you will wake up to discover that ketchup not only makes French fries taste nice, it also turns old money shiny. Which never fails to amaze me.

– Donal Coonan