Exploring Sausage Casings:

What mysteries lie behind the casings of this beloved food, sausage? Are they made from natural ingredients or artificial materials? Let's uncover this layer of mystery together.

These tempting sausages might already have your mouth watering. But behind them lies a wealth of knowledge. Next, we'll explore the stories behind sausage casings.

The Definition and Importance of Casings

When it comes to making stuffed sausages, what exactly is the essential outer shell that holds the sausage together? A casing is a crucial component in sausage making, serving as a natural or artificial outer shell. You might immediately answer, "It's a casing!" But what exactly is a casing?

Natural Casings

Where do these essential casings for sausages come from? Broadly speaking, natural casings are derived from animal intestines, primarily sheep intestines, known for their good air permeability and unique flavor. Natural casings are mainly taken from the longest part of an animal's internal organs—the small intestine. Today, sheep intestines are most commonly used, hence the name "sheep casings," while those made from pig intestines are called "pork casings." Historically, 牛肠 (beef intestines) and 马肠 (horse intestines) have also been used as casings. These natural casings are renowned for their breathability. After proper drying and smoking, they can impart a unique flavor to products and are safe for direct consumption. Therefore, they are often found in everyday foods like sausages and grilled sausages.

Artificial Casings

Artificial casings can be divided into two main categories: permeable casings and non-permeable casings. They include edible and non-edible types, such as collagen casings and plastic casings, each with distinct characteristics and uses.

• Permeable Casings:
• Non-Permeable Casings:
  Mainly plastic casings, such as those made from polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) or nylon. These come in various types and specifications, are easy to print on, and have a smooth, attractive appearance. They are particularly suitable for steamed or boiled products, but note that they are non-edible.

Other Uses and Safety of Casings

• Additional Applications:
  Beyond serving as the outer layer for sausages and 灌肠 (stuffed sausages), casings have wide-ranging uses. They can be made into sinew threads for sports equipment (e.g., tennis racket strings, bowstrings), musical instrument strings, and even surgical sutures.
• Food Safety Tips:
  Regardless of the casing type, sausages should be consumed in moderation to ensure a healthy diet. After all, dietary risks are everywhere, and health always requires careful attention.