Major Grey's Chutney facts for kids
Major Grey's Chutney is a special kind of chutney, which is a sweet and tangy sauce often served with meals. It's made with fruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices. This particular chutney is famous for its mild flavor, unlike some other chutneys that can be very spicy.
The story goes that Major Grey's Chutney was first made for a British Army officer named Major Grey. He supposedly lived in British India a long time ago, in the 1800s. While the story might just be a legend, it's a fun way to think about how this tasty sauce got its name!
What makes Major Grey's Chutney special? Its main ingredients usually include mango, raisins, vinegar, lime juice, onion, and a mix of spices. Sometimes, it also has tamarind extract, which adds a bit of sourness. In the 1980s, Major Grey's Chutney was known as the most popular type of chutney in the United States.
Popular Chutney Brands
Many companies make Major Grey's Chutney. They usually use similar ingredients, but each brand might have its own secret recipe.
Chutney from India
Major Grey's Mango Chutney is made in large amounts by companies like Sun Brand and Desai Brothers Ltd. in Poona, India. Desai Brothers sells it under the name Mother's Recipe. These chutneys have even been sent to countries like Singapore.
Long ago, most Indian sauces were very hot and spicy. They were often too strong for European people who settled there. The story says that a British army major named Grey asked for a sweeter mango chutney to suit his taste. This is how Major Grey's Chutney is believed to have started. A company called Merwanjee Poonjiajee, which began in 1876, is thought to have made the first batch. Their "SUN BRAND" mango chutney and curry powder were some of the first Indian condiments to be sent to other countries.
Chutney in North America
Several companies make "Major Grey's Mango Chutney" for sale in the United States and Canada. For example, the British brand Patak's makes a similar mango chutney. Sharwood's also produces it.
One of the oldest brands that helped make this chutney popular in Western countries is Crosse & Blackwell. This company is now partly owned by J.M. Smucker Company. Some people believe that Crosse & Blackwell bought the original recipe for Major Grey's Chutney a long time ago, possibly in the early 1800s.
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