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Why it matters
For home cooks trying to recreate New England-style Chinese takeout, applesauce is one of the most useful clues. Mixed with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sometimes a little plum or apricot flavor, it becomes a sweet-tangy duck sauce for egg rolls, chicken fingers, crab rangoon, and pu pu platter snacks.
Buying advice
Start with plain, unsweetened applesauce so you can control the sugar and salt yourself. Shelf-stable cups or jars are easy to buy anywhere; online ordering only really makes sense if you are stocking up.
What to check before buying
Avoid cinnamon-flavored applesauce unless you specifically want that flavor. Check sugar level, package size, and whether you want smooth or chunky texture.