When it comes to sausage production, natural casings play a vital role in delivering that authentic taste and texture. Among the various options available, sheep casings stand out as a popular choice. These natural casings, derived from the small intestine of sheep, offer unique characteristics that enhance the overall sausage experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types, sizes, and applications of sheep casings, shedding light on their importance in the art of sausage making.
Types of Sheep Casings:
Hog Runners
Hog runners, also known as hog rounds, are a type of sheep casings that are commonly used for producing larger sausages such as bratwurst or Italian sausages. They offer excellent strength and a broader diameter, making them ideal for filling with coarser meat mixtures.
Straight Casings
Straight casings are the most versatile type of sheep casings, suitable for a wide range of sausage styles. They are known for their uniform size and natural curve, making them easy to work with during the stuffing process. Straight casings are often used for classic sausages like frankfurters, breakfast links, or cocktail sausages.
Crowns
Crowns are smaller sheep casings that are typically used for producing breakfast sausages or other small-sized sausages. They provide a delicate texture and a visually appealing appearance, making them perfect for gourmet or specialty sausages.
Sizes of Sheep Casings
Sheep casings come in various sizes to accommodate different sausage styles and preferences. The sizing is typically denoted by the diameter of the casing. Here are some common sizes of sheep casings:
20/22mm: This smaller diameter is well-suited for breakfast sausages, cocktail franks, or other small-sized sausages.
24/26mm: A popular choice for traditional frankfurters or hot dogs, this size offers a slightly larger diameter.
28/30mm: Ideal for bratwurst or Italian sausages, this size provides a medium diameter that works well with coarser meat mixtures.
32/34mm: These larger-sized casings are perfect for producing hearty sausages like kielbasa or bockwurst.
Applications of Sheep Casings
Sheep casings find extensive use in sausage production across various cuisines and styles. Some notable applications include:
Traditional European Sausages
Sheep casings have been used for centuries in European sausages, contributing to the authentic flavours and textures of regional favourites such as German bratwurst, French saucisson, or British bangers.
Artisanal and Gourmet Sausages:
The delicate and natural appearance of sheep casings makes them a popular choice for artisanal and gourmet sausages. Whether it’s a specialty lamb sausage or a unique fusion blend, sheep casings elevate the overall presentation and eating experience.
Halal and Kosher Sausages
Sheep casings are a preferred choice for producing halal and kosher sausages due to their natural origin. They meet the dietary requirements of these respective food traditions.
Sheep casings offer a wide range of options when it comes to sausage production. Their different types, sizes, and applications allow sausage makers to create an array of flavours, textures, and appearances.
Whether you’re a professional sausage producer or an amateur enthusiast, understanding the characteristics and versatility of sheep casings is essential in crafting sausages that stand out for their taste and quality. So, next time you embark on a sausage-making journey, consider using sheep casings to bring an authentic touch to your culinary creations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Where can I purchase sheep casings?
A: Sheep casings can be sourced from sausage casing suppliers , butcher shops, or online stores like (soorin-casing.com) that cater to sausage-making enthusiasts.
Q: Are sheep casings the only natural casings available?
A: No, besides sheep casings, there are also casings derived from other animals such as hog casings (from pigs) and beef casings (from cattle).
Q: Can sheep casings be used for both cooked and dry sausages?
A: Yes, sheep casings are versatile and can be used for both cooked sausages like bratwurst and smoked sausages like salami.
Peter Beaumont is a senior reporter on the Guardian’s Global Development desk. He has reported extensively from conflict zones including Africa, the Balkans and the Middle East and is the author of The Secret Life of War: Journeys Through Modern Conflict. Email: peter@thehearus.com
