Discovered these in my spaghetti. The sauce was canned. What could they be?

#### 6. **Garlic Cloves or Garlic Chunks**
– **What They Are:** If you taste a burst of garlic flavor, you might have encountered whole or chopped garlic in your sauce. Some canned sauces include garlic as a key ingredient, and depending on how it’s processed, you might find pieces of garlic floating around in the sauce.
– **What to Do About Them:** Garlic is a wonderful flavor booster in sauces, and its presence might give your spaghetti sauce a punch. If you don’t like biting into pieces of garlic, you can always remove them or opt for a smoother sauce.

#### 7. **Olives or Capers**
– **What They Are:** Some canned spaghetti sauces, especially those with Mediterranean or Italian flavors, may include olives or capers. These small, briny ingredients are often added for extra depth of flavor.
– **What to Do About Them:** If you enjoy the tangy kick that olives or capers provide, they can add an exciting twist to your sauce. If not, simply remove them from your plate or try a different brand of sauce without these ingredients.

#### 8. **Mushrooms**
– **What They Are:** If you discovered small, soft bits in your sauce that have a mild, earthy flavor, chances are you’ve encountered mushrooms. Many canned sauces, particularly those labeled as “mushroom,” contain chopped or sliced mushrooms that blend seamlessly into the sauce.
– **What to Do About Them:** Mushrooms can add a savory, umami flavor to your sauce, and they are especially popular in vegetarian or hearty spaghetti sauce recipes. If you’re not a fan, you can strain the sauce or opt for a different type of sauce.

#### 9. **Sugar Crystals or Tomato Paste**
– **What They Are:** Sometimes, canned sauces have a slight texture from the inclusion of sugar or a bit of tomato paste. Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while tomato paste thickens the sauce. These ingredients might form small crystals or clumps in the sauce.
– **What to Do About Them:** If you notice a sweetness or slight gritty texture, it’s likely due to sugar or paste. These ingredients are essential for the sauce’s overall flavor, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can always warm the sauce gently or blend it.

#### Conclusion

If you discover an unusual ingredient in your spaghetti sauce, it’s likely one of these common culprits. While it may seem odd at first, many of these additions are essential for the sauce’s flavor, texture, and authenticity. Whether it’s tomato seeds, herbs, or even mushrooms, these ingredients contribute to the overall richness of the dish. However, if you’re not fond of a specific texture or ingredient, don’t hesitate to strain or blend the sauce for a more uniform consistency.

Next time you find something unexpected in your canned spaghetti sauce, take a moment to consider what it could be – it might just be the secret to making your spaghetti even tastier!