Where does duck sauce come from?

Duck sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce that is often served with Chinese food, particularly with duck dishes. It's not actually Chinese in origin.

The sauce's history is more complex, with multiple theories:

* American Invention: Many believe it was invented in the United States, specifically in the 1950s or 60s, to cater to American tastes. The combination of ingredients and flavor profile is thought to have been created specifically for American diners.

* "Chinese" Takeout Inspiration: Another theory suggests it was inspired by the Chinese sauce "plum sauce" (which has a similar sweet and tangy flavor but with a stronger plum taste). However, "plum sauce" is not a traditional Chinese sauce, and it's likely that duck sauce was created as a simplified version of that.

* Origins in Chinese Cuisine: Some argue that duck sauce has some roots in Chinese cuisine, specifically in the use of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce as flavoring ingredients. But it's not a traditional Chinese sauce in its current form.

Regardless of its precise origin, duck sauce has become a staple condiment in American Chinese takeout, and it's enjoyed by many for its sweet and tangy flavor that complements various dishes.