Steps To Make Superior Sausage Using Hog Casings The type of sausage casings accessible to consumers has risen thanks in part to the improvements in production techniques. The casings which are widely used include natural, collagen based or cellulose based casings. Even though plastic casings aren't as popular as they once were, some are still around. Each casing has a different production method that sets it apart from the others, but natural hog casings are consistently recognized for their good quality. Despite the streamlined production methods, artificial casings can not rival more natural ones even though they continue to try an mimic them. Natural casings will continue to be the more likely choice for exceptional sausage with tradition, flavor and high quality on their side. Natural Casing Natural casing when considering all the options is the more traditional and oldest options on the market. Natural casings were the only option before the development of artificial ones. A natural casing requires the least amount of processing as they are the submucosa of the animal, which is a layer of collagen that naturally takes place in the intestines of hogs. The casings are flushed multiple times in order to remove any threads, solid waste, fat and inner mucosa layers. Once they have been cleaned thoroughly, they are next packed in salt and refrigerated. The best kind of casing to use among butchers and consumers would be a natural casing. The best flavored meat will result since it is breathable and the look of the sausage is appealing. Collagen Casing Collagen casing is made by using collagen that is found in pig or beef hides, tendons and bones. However, it can be produced from fish along with poultry. For approximately 50 years this type of casing has been made. In its natural form, collagen looks almost like bread dough. Some processes how the casings are made include extruding it through a die, drying it after which shirring it into sticks. The meat is extruded with the collagen and treated outside of the casing with a calcium solution with newer manufacturing processes. Some of the smoke and water throughout the cooking process will reach the meat but they tend to lack the tenderness that is typically expected of sausage. Although many collagen casings are edible, a few aren't, which can lead to confusion for buyers. Cellulose Casing Wood pulp or cotton linters is usually what these casings are produced from. A viscose is made along the way that is extruded into casings and then shirred. After cooking, the consumers must peel the casing off, leaving behind skinless franks. Similar to natural casing, cellulose casing is also permeable, allowing some of the cooking flavors into the meat. Some consumers would be turned away since this casing lacks the luster and appearance of hog casings. Plastic Casing Though they're relatively uncommon today, plastic casings were once a popular option for sausage. Like collagen and cellulose casings, plastic casing can be extruded and is typically shirred. Smoke and water aren't able to penetrate the casing, so if you prefer to smoke your meat, Syracuse Casing Co, Inc
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Steps To Make Superior Sausage Using Hog Casings it's wise to choose a different casing. Sometimes, the inside surface of plastic casings is laminated by using a polymer that sticks to a protein typically found in meat. The sausage therefore firmly sticks to the casing due to this. No Real Substitute for Natural Choose an all natural casing if you want one that will endure the stuffing process to ensure you get a great tasting sausage that looks good and tastes delicious. Though there are some alternatives for natural hog casings, there are no synthetic replacements. Sometimes it is nice to remember that there are still authentic, all natural products available but be cautious since there are low quality products just like anything else. The easiest route to sausage that tastes superb is to go with purely natural hog casings. Take a look at www.makincasing.com to find out more information regarding Syracuse Casing.
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Syracuse Casing Co, Inc
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