"Why does mustard and ketchup squirt out watery substance before the mustard or ketchup comes out? Can it be avoided?"

Topics: physics, science, food

Asked by catnanny 24 months ago

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Mustard has always had some watery substance squirt out before the mustard comes out. Lately I've noticed the same thing happening with ketchup which did not used to happen. Is there any way to avoid soaking the sandwich with water before the condiment hits the bun?

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"Shake the bottle first"

by ArtLover101 on Feb 08 2008 (24 months ago)

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Shake the bottle first to avoid or minimize the watery consistensy squirting out first.

Another thought is to keep these two items in a container with a wide mouth and a small spoon. This way you stirr first and only take the quantity desired rather than drownout your food with condimentsor watery substance.

Number of condiment sets are available at various retailers inc. Amazon.

Gravity and perhaps condensation cause the watery substance to be at the top of the container.

Sources: personal experience

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"Just shake it up!"

by -Poppet- on Feb 08 2008 (24 months ago)

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Yes, you are experiencing the separation of solids and liquids...perhaps you are buying a lower quality of ketchup now than you used to, with more water added to it, than the "higher priced brands"? I hate that liquid!! Almost as bad as the mustard that dries in the top of the bottle! Yuck!

The best thing to do is to shake the bottles to re-blend that water with the other ingredients. Or, just squirt the thin, runny liquid into the sink before applying to the hamburger/hotdog/fries. Pretty easy fix to this problem!

Storing the bottles upside down would also be a way to have the "good stuff" at the top and the watery stuff be at the bottom of the bottle, too.

-Poppet-'s Recommendations

Tomato Ketchup, 500ml

French's Classic Yellow Mustard: 14 OZ Squeeze

Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 1 reviews)

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"Water separates out..."

by curious7777777 on Feb 08 2008 (24 months ago)

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Shake or stir the ketchup or mustard, depending upon the bottle or jar.

With ketchup bottles, that also helps reduce the number of times you have to smack the bottle before the ketchup deigns itself ready to emerge.

curious7777777's Recommendations

Heinz Hot & Spicy Ketchup Kick'rs with Tabasco - 19 fl oz

Maille Traditional Dijon Originale Mustard, 9.7 Ounces (Pack of 12)

Amazon List Price: $41.52

Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 2 reviews)

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"Shaking the containers before squirting will eliminate the problem."

by enots42 on Feb 08 2008 (24 months ago)

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"The solids settle and some liquids rises to the top -- separation."

by pfzlsk on Feb 08 2008 (24 months ago)

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Just give it a couple of shakes before dispensing.

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the reason why it works when the product is stored upside down is because product will separate by density and the water comes to the top. when stored upside down the most dense of the substances will be at the bottom near the opening.

"Why does mustard and ketchup squirt out watery substance before the mustard or ketchup comes out? Can it be avoided?"

Clarifications

"Shake the bottle first"

"Just shake it up!"

"Water separates out..."

"Shaking the containers before squirting will eliminate the problem."

"The solids settle and some liquids rises to the top -- separation."

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