Substances such as salt, mustard, or spices that are added to food to enhance flavor. Seasonings or flavorings used to improve taste.
From Latin condimentum, from condire meaning 'to season, preserve, pickle'. Related to condere 'to put together, store'. Originally referred to anything used to preserve or enhance food, reflecting the historical importance of food preservation before refrigeration.
Condiments were originally essential for food safety, not just flavor - spices like pepper and mustard have antimicrobial properties that helped preserve meat before refrigeration. This is why spice-heavy cuisines developed in hot climates where food spoilage was a constant threat.
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