Sausage is a food loved the world over. Thanks to the many flavors and varieties, every person can find a sausage variety they enjoy. This food comes packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, so people can consume their meals knowing they are getting much-needed nutrients. While the sausage was first developed to preserve meat, it is a staple today because it fits nicely into the modern lifestyle. What should a person know when purchasing this food product?
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Processing Methods
Companies use several classifications for sausage manufacturing. These sausage processing methods determine how the meat should be handled. Fresh sausage, uncooked smoked sausage, and cooked smoked sausage should remain refrigerated and used within a few days. They may also be frozen to preserve them longer.
Dry sausage, such as pepperoni, doesn’t need to be refrigerated. However, semi-dry sausage and cooked meat specialties like scrapple need refrigeration. Always read the label to know how to handle sausage.
Ingredient Selection
Many people assume sausage is made using waste from other food processing methods. Mark Twain once said, “There are two things nobody should ever have to watch being made, sausage and laws.” This quote is one of several that leave people wondering what goes into these foods. Manufacturers must choose quality ingredients to produce quality products. While the meat will be ground, it must be clean and contaminant-free.
Food Preparation
Sausage can be made in several ways. Some are cooked, while others are smoked. They might also be made into jerky. Garlic sausage, summer sausage, and bratwurst are other options for this familiar food. Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, is also made with the help of sausage.
A person might use sausage in a dish they are preparing. Grilled sausage is a summertime favorite, while pepperoni and other sausage might be used as appetizers at a function. Chorizo is a spicy sausage that many people love to cook with, and Weisswurst is a Bavarian sausage a person might wish to try. As sausage can be prepared and served in so many ways, there is a dish containing this ingredient for every individual.
Safe Sausage Manufacturing
Manufacturers must take care when making sausage to ensure the products are safe for human consumption. Raw materials must be collected from healthy animals and handled correctly in the manufacturing plant. The fermentation process must be closely monitored, and workers must take precautions to prevent cross-contamination. By taking these steps, a manufacturer can ensure that its products meet all quality standards.
What the Future Holds
Sausage sales increased drastically during the global pandemic of 2020. Today, consumers continue to buy sausage products at record amounts, typically breakfast foods. However, they don’t want the plain items of the past. Manufacturers recognize this and are offering innovative new products to fulfill consumer demand.
Pepper jack and pineapple sausage are two varieties a person might wish to try. Sausage meatballs are increasingly popular, as men and women need quick and easy meals on weeknights. Some products are made using proteins blended with other items. For example, a manufacturer might offer a plant-based sausage blend.
Industry experts say the sausage market continues to thrive. They estimate the market to be worth $6.4 billion as of 2024. Furthermore, it doesn’t appear to be slowing. Learn more about the sausage-making process today. Men and women who do so often find they enjoy their dishes more.
