When it comes to sausage the type you select for the perfect meal, a charcuterie board, or just for a snack, can make a difference. Not all sausage is the same. We are going to help you navigate two of the most common options you have when it comes to choosing the right meat and review fresh versus smoked sausage. What are these types of sausages and what makes them different?
What is Sausage?
In case you don’t really know what sausage is in the first place, we thought that would be a good spot to start before reviewing fresh versus smoked sausage.
Sausage refers to a type of meat product usually made from ground meat; often pork, beef, or poultry, along with salt, spices and other flavorings. Sausage can refer to loose sausage meat, which can be formed into patty form or stuffed into a skin/casing. When referred to as "sausage," the product is usually encased in a skin.
Not all sausages are created equal, nor are they made the same, so let’s review.
Fresh Sausage
Fresh sausage is uncooked. Fresh sausages are normally found in the form of breakfast links, sausage patties, Italian sausage, bratwurst, or chorizo. These meats have a shorter shelf life than smoked sausage because they are fresh, so they must be kept refrigerated or frozen until use.
Fresh sausages must be cooked thoroughly, with no pink color showing in the center. These types of sausages are best prepared by grilling them, pan-frying them, or even broiling them. Some people like to boil these sausages to help hold in some of their natural juices that tend to pop and sizzle out as they are cooked.
If your fresh sausage is in a casing, they don’t have to remain that way. Fresh sausages can be cut up or removed from their casing and crumbled, to be sautéed and used in other dishes. Basically, fresh sausages are just as they sound… fresh and uncooked.
Smoked Sausage
When it comes to fresh versus smoked sausage, smoked sausage likely will have some more flavor, as they have been previously smoked. Smoked sausage is smoked for an extended period of time at extremely low temperatures. This helps to allow the smokey flavor to sink in.
The most common forms of smoked sausage are andouille, kielbasa, smokies, and sometimes summer sausage. Smoked sausage can be eaten as-is, heated, or cut up and used in other dishes. Smoked sausages, are a staple of deli counters and sandwiches.
Smoked sausages typically have a longer shelf life since they have been cooked already. This type of sausage is popular in many dishes and makes a great addition to all charcuterie boards.
Finding the Right Sausage
Both fresh and smoked sausages are delightful for sausage lovers. There is no denying that they are not the same and are different; however, most people enjoy each of them for various purposes.
When it comes to finding the right sausage for your next occasion, Five Star Sausage has premium sausage options. We offer all different types of sausages to fulfill whatever your need or flavor preference is.
We strongly adhere to a “farm to table” philosophy, because we really believe that you are what you eat. This dedication to positive and humane meat farming practices is what gives our products their excellent taste and rich, strong flavor. You can taste our commitment to quality in every single bite.
Ready to check us out? Visit our website today.
