Malcolm Gladwell on ketchup vs. mustard

© iStockphoto.com/Tiburon Studios

© iStockphoto.com/Tiburon Studios

Tim Carmody breaks down a Gladwell essay on two classic condiments. Among its other virtues, “The Ketchup Conundrum” took the word "umami" mainstream, Carmody writes: "I can’t stand ketchup. Any ketchup ... But I am riveted by the story of ketchup regardless, because Gladwell’s offered me a route, through history, science, and the words of men and women here and now, to understand these odd human beings around me who love the stuff."