What Is Worcestershire Sauce And Why Do People Love It?
NEWS
By BUFFY NAILLON
What It Is
Worcestershire sauce is a condiment seasoned with molasses, vinegar, and garlic, and with fermented fish sauce. It is closely related to the ancient fish sauce garum.
Origins
Two chemists named John Lea and William Perrins wanted to create a fish sauce that originated in Bengal and was a favorite of a friend, who wanted them to recreate it.
They used pickles, sugar, salt, anchovies, soy, cloves, tamarind, water, and vinegar. The smell had them leave it in the basement of their pharmacy before trying it at 18 months.
Marketing
People aboard luxury cruise ships were given gift-wrapped bottles of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce. The pair also employed door-to-door salesmen and cookbook marketing.
The cruise marketing was a brilliant move because it allowed those in first-class dining to try the sauce. They were allowed to buy a bottle and bring it home.
Pronunciation
Pronouncing the name may present a bit of a challenge. Phonetically, it sounds like “war-chest–i-shire,” but its actual pronunciation is “wuu-ster-sher.”
Go Global
Worcestershire sauce made its way to America, specifically the Big Apple, by 1939. The appeal of the sauce spawned other food and drink ideas once it went international.