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### Discovered These in My Spaghetti: What Could They Be?
#### 1. **Tomato Seeds**
– **What They Are:** Tomato seeds are a common byproduct in canned tomato products, especially when the tomatoes aren’t thoroughly processed or strained. If you find small, round, slightly crunchy bits in your sauce, it’s likely the seeds from the tomatoes themselves.
– **What to Do About Them:** Tomato seeds are completely harmless, though they can sometimes give a slightly different texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain the sauce next time to remove any leftover seeds or skins before cooking.
#### 2. **Tomato Skins**
– **What They Are:** If you find thin, papery pieces in your sauce, chances are they’re bits of tomato skin. This can happen if the tomatoes weren’t fully peeled during the canning process. These skins are not harmful but can be a bit tougher and chewier than the sauce itself.
– **What to Do About Them:** You can remove any large pieces of tomato skin by straining the sauce, or you could simply embrace the rustic, homemade feel of the sauce with the skins included.
#### 4. **Meat or Sausage Crumbles**
– **What They Are:** Some canned spaghetti sauces come pre-mixed with meat, such as ground beef, sausage, or even small bits of pork. If you discover a slightly chewy or chunkier substance in your sauce, it might be cooked meat or sausage crumbles.
– **What to Do About Them:** Meat in spaghetti sauce is a great addition for added flavor and protein. If you don’t like the idea of finding chunks of meat, you can always blend the sauce for a smoother consistency or opt for a different sauce next time.
5. **Bell Pepper or Onion Pieces**
– **What They Are:** Some spaghetti sauces include chopped vegetables like onions or bell peppers to enhance the flavor. If you find small, tender pieces of vegetables that might have softened during the cooking process, they could be from these ingredients.
– **What to Do About Them:** These vegetables add sweetness and depth to your sauce. If you don’t mind the extra texture, you can leave them in. If you prefer a more uniform sauce, consider blending or straining the sauce to remove them.