A condiment

 A condiment is a sauce, spice, or preparation that is added to food after it is cooked to improve its flavor or texture.¹

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of a condiment:

• Added After Cooking: Condiments are typically not the main ingredients in a dish and are added at the table or just before serving.²
• Enhances Flavor: The primary purpose of a condiment is to add or modify the taste of food.³ This can include adding sweetness, sourness, saltiness, spiciness, or umami.⁴
• Improves Texture: Some condiments can also alter the texture of food, such as adding creaminess, crunchiness, or moisture.
• Wide Variety: Condiments come in a vast array of forms, including liquids (like ketchup, mustard, soy sauce), powders (like salt, pepper, paprika), pastes (like wasabi, chili paste), and chopped solids (like pickles, relish).⁵

Examples of common condiments include:

• Sauces: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, hot sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salad dressings.
• Spices and Herbs (used as finishing touches): Salt, pepper, chili flakes, dried herbs like oregano or parsley.⁶
• Pickled Items: Pickles, relish, pickled onions.⁷
• Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, maple syrup (sometimes considered condiments depending on usage).
• Oils and Vinegars: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar (often used as finishing touches).⁸
• Dips and Spreads (sometimes used as condiments):⁹ Guacamole, hummus, salsa.¹⁰

In essence, condiments are used to personalize and enhance the eating experience by allowing individuals to adjust the flavor profile of their food to their liking.