Cranberry sauce is a staple of the Thanksgiving meal. This sweet and tart sauce pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and gravy to create the ultimate flavor explosion. While some people prefer the homemade version, others opt for the convenience of buying canned or jarred cranberry sauce. But what about buying whole cranberry sauce? Is it possible to find this option in stores or online?
In this article, we will explore the availability of whole cranberry sauce and where to purchase it. We will also discuss the benefits of choosing whole cranberry sauce over canned or jarred options, as well as the different ways to serve and use it in your Thanksgiving feast and beyond. So let’s dive into this delicious topic and find out if you can indeed buy whole cranberry sauce!
What is Whole Cranberry Sauce?
Whole cranberry sauce is a type of sauce made from fresh or frozen cranberries that have been cooked with sugar, water, and sometimes spices such as cinnamon or orange zest. Unlike jellied cranberry sauce, which is made by cooking cranberries until they burst and then straining out the solids to create a smooth gel-like texture, whole cranberry sauce is left more or less intact, allowing for a chunky, jam-like consistency.
While some people prefer the smoothness of jellied cranberry sauce, others swear by the texture and flavor of whole cranberry sauce. It has a tart, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with turkey and other holiday dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients, making it a great option for those who want to avoid the added sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought brands.
Where to Find Whole Cranberry Sauce?
If you’re looking to buy whole cranberry sauce, your best bet would be to check out grocery stores and supermarkets near you. Stores like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Safeway typically stock whole cranberry sauce in the canned food aisle or in the seasonal section around Thanksgiving and Christmas. You can also check out online stores like Amazon for a wider variety and convenience.
If you prefer homemade cranberry sauce, several recipes are available online, and you can customize the recipe according to your taste preferences. Making your own cranberry sauce also enables you to control the amount of sugar, preserving agents and other additives used. You may also incorporate additional flavors like ginger, cinnamon and orange zest. After preparing, store the cranberry sauce in a sealed container in your refrigerator and consume it within a week.
DIY Whole Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Making whole cranberry sauce from scratch is surprisingly easy and a great way to impress your dinner guests with a homemade touch. To make your own whole cranberry sauce, you will need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water, and a little bit of orange zest. Simply add all the ingredients to a pot, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
This DIY whole cranberry sauce recipe is also incredibly versatile, as you can adjust the amount of sugar and orange zest to suit your taste. You can even experiment with adding other flavorings, such as cinnamon or cloves, to give your homemade cranberry sauce a unique twist that will elevate any meal. So the next time you’re wondering whether you can buy whole cranberry sauce, consider making it yourself instead for a delicious, homemade addition to your holiday table.
The Benefits of Eating Whole Cranberry Sauce
The Benefits of Eating Whole Cranberry Sauce
Whole cranberry sauce is a delicious and nutritious food that has a number of benefits for both your overall health and your digestion. For example, cranberries are a rich source of dietary fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, cranberries are also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect your body against the damage caused by free radicals.
Another benefit of eating whole cranberry sauce is that it can help to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. This is because cranberries contain compounds that can help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract, which can lead to infection. Finally, eating whole cranberry sauce may also help to improve your heart health, thanks to its ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body. All in all, there are many great reasons to add whole cranberry sauce to your diet!
How to Store Whole Cranberry Sauce
Storing whole cranberry sauce requires careful attention to detail to prevent contamination and spoilage. Once you have opened the jar, make sure to refrigerate it immediately to keep it fresh for a longer time. Typically, whole cranberry sauce can last for up to 7-10 days in the fridge. If you have made your own at home, then it is best to consume it within 3-5 days to avoid any bacterial growth.
If you plan to store cranberry sauce for a longer period, freezing is a good option. To do so, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and freeze it for up to a year. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid refreezing previously frozen cranberry sauce since it can impact its quality and flavor. Proper storage of whole cranberry sauce can help you enjoy this delicious accompaniment for a more extended period, giving you more time to experiment with recipes, use it as a topping on pies, or incorporate it into your everyday meals.
Whole Cranberry Sauce vs Jellied Cranberry Sauce: Which is Better
When it comes to cranberry sauce, there are two popular options to choose from – whole and jellied. While both these sauces serve the same purpose, they differ in texture and taste. Whole cranberry sauce is made by cooking whole cranberries and sugar until the fruit pops and releases its juices. The resulting sauce has a slightly chunky texture and a tangy, tart flavor. On the other hand, jellied cranberry sauce is made by cooking the berries, sugar, and water until they form a thick, smooth consistency. This sauce is sweeter and smoother in texture compared to its whole counterpart.
When it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a sauce with some texture and tartness, then whole cranberry sauce might be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, sweeter sauce with a jelly-like consistency, then jellied cranberry sauce might be more to your liking. Both sauces can be bought pre-made in cans, but if you want to make your own, recipes for both are readily available with simple ingredients.
Festive Holiday Recipes Using Whole Cranberry Sauce
Festive Holiday Recipes Using Whole Cranberry Sauce
Whole cranberry sauce is an essential ingredient in many holiday recipes, adding a sweet and tangy flavor to a variety of dishes. One of the most popular festive recipes using whole cranberry sauce is a classic turkey stuffing. The sauce can be added to bread crumbs and paired with herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary for a delicious stuffing that will leave your guests wanting more.
Another delightful recipe is a cranberry sauce glaze. It can be used to coat a ham or turkey, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Simply mix the cranberry sauce with brown sugar, mustard, and a dash of cinnamon, and coat your holiday meat with the mixture. These are just a few of the many festive holiday recipes that incorporate whole cranberry sauce, making it a versatile and delicious ingredient that will elevate your holiday meal.
Final Words
In conclusion, buying whole canned cranberry sauce is possible, but it can be a challenging task. Most stores mostly stock jellied cranberry sauce instead. However, with a little research and effort, you can find stores that sell the whole version.
Whole cranberry sauce is a healthier and more natural option compared to the jellied version. It contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals and is known to have more health benefits. So if you’re a fan of whole cranberry sauce, it’s worth the effort to find it as it provides more than just a burst of holiday flavor to your meals.