Question

Condiments are
A. Small fruits or seeds as a whole for food flavouring.
B. Aqueous or alcoholic extracts of essential oils.
C. Spices or other flavouring substances with a sharp taste usually added to food for cooking.
D. None of these.

Answer 1

Hint: A condiment is an additional flavouring substance added to several dishes and sauces. Barbecue sauce, soy sauce, mustard sauce, marmite, etc. are examples of condiments. These substances usually have a very strong flavour and thus are used in small quantities or diluted forms.

Complete answer: Condiments are spices or additional flavouring substances that are used to enhance the taste and texture of several food items. Condiments are usually used in sauce and pickle making. They impart a characteristic strong flavour and aroma to foods in which they are added. Condiments are used to complement various cultural dishes as well. The term condiments were anciently related to substances used in pickled or preserved foods. But over time, the term became wide including spices such as mustard. Condiments are now available as single-serving packets. The sauce packets we receive with fast-food items are condiments. Mustard or ketchup, barbecue sauce, marmite, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, etc. are examples of condiments. These substances not only provide a sharp taste but also improve the texture of food. Condiments can be used prior to serving or after serving. Spices and herbs, salt and pepper, seasonings are also termed as condiments. In European countries, cheese is also considered a condiment.
So, the right answer is option C.

Note: Condiments have known to be used in food from Ancient Rome, Ancient India, Ancient China, and Ancient Greece. The condiment market is one of the largest after cheese in the speciality foods category. A cookbook named Apicius contains a section that is solely based on condiments.