The usual materials for sausage casing is the intestine of the slaughtered hog, sheep or cow. The intestine are lined up with five layers from within, such as:

  • Mucosa or lining of mucosa or saliva composed of cells that aid in digestion, absorption and circulation of substances to the various parts of the body.
  • Submucosa — nerves and fibers with fatty tissues in them. These are rich in collagen, the chief material in casing.
  • Smooth muscles that surround the intestine.
  • Layer of fibers.
  • Serosa (outermost layer), composed of thin elastic fibers.
  • Cow serosa is thicker than hog serosa.

Procedure:

Carefully pull the intestines from the slaughtered animal.

Fat removal:

Carefully scrape the fat with a knife. Remove all fat as much as possible because this will cause rancidity in the casings. This fat can be used for cooking. When pulling the intestines from the slaughtered pig or sheep, remove as well the adhering hairs, from the intestines. If it will facilitate, the intestines can be cut in pieces according to need.

Removal of other materials:

This can be done manually carefully or by means of a water hose for cleaning as well.

Removal of slimy substance:

The removal of slime depends on the kind and size of the intestine. It may be cleansed by passing the intestine under a roller, or by scraping it to remove the serosa. Bigger intestines are flushed with water or turned inside out. After cleaning, soak the casing overnight in strong salt solution.

Grading and Storing:

The grading of casings is according to class, size and quality. The higher quality (or export quality in the U.S.) is that which is free from defects like holes, bruises or warts. After grading this is pumped with air or with water to enable the measuring of the circumference. Hog and sheep casings are marketed in lengths of 90 meters more or less, and those of cows by 30 meters. After grading, these are salted with fine salt and stored further, and drained if wet.

After draining, it is further shaken to remove any remaining water and salted again if necessary.

Storage:

Casings packed in salt get deteriorated too. These have to be put in 4°C temperature, but freezing must be avoided, as it could cause cracks that will be the start for the growth of molds. Avoid also the growth of red molds that thrive on salt. This will cause the decay of the casings.

Other Casings:

1. Cow bladder — after cleaning, air dry them. When dry, they are ready for marketing.

2. Hog or sheep intestine parts — these are joined together into various shapes. To make the edges adhere together, these are passed through heat and then joined together.

3. When cool and dry, they are packed and are ready for marketing.

source: elgu2.ncc.gov.ph, photo from forums.egullet.org

Meat Processing:

20 Responses
  1. Deoraj says:

    Hi, im a small producer of sausages in my hometown, Darjeeling,West Bengal,India and its a big problem to get sheep or hog casings in India. Could anyone help me supply good quality of casings. If so please mail me the details at rajd9940@yahoo.com.

  2. I am looking for seasoning to make my homemade sausage also need liquid smoke or Powder either will do .the seasoning i need is cayenne pepper, black pepper, nutmeg , cinnamon, sage , garlic powder and ect. need to buy in bulk 1-5 kilo bags or containers .
    Thanks !

  3. Dear Sir or Madam,

    We can provide you all calibers and qualities and also waste casings.

    If you want more information or you are interested in our products, you can feel free to contact with us.

    Thanks and best regards.

    Muhammad Sikandar Bhutta

    M/S. AASHI INTERNATIONAL TRADERS.
    262/R, Shams Link Road W.No.04
    Khudadad Colony I/S Nadarabad
    Phattak Industrial Estate Multan,
    Pakistan. NTN NO. 1903832-1
    FDA U.S.A;REGISTRATION NO.17153266610
    Contact Number: +92-301-498 9394.
    Email to: aashiint@yahoo.com

  4. robert19 says:

    where to attend meat processing seminar near in pampanga??? pls…..

  5. Tom Chapman says:

    I am trying to find a supplier for sheeps or hog salted casings in Cebu,please can anyone helm me.Thanks

  6. Leo says:

    @jake, its available in public markets (meat section), or much better if you know any slaughter house nearby.

  7. jake says:

    where to buy sausage casing to prepare longganisa?

    • =18= says:

      hi if ur still looking for hog casing, pls text me at 09227948887. for size 26-28, retail price is 430. for 28-30, 30/32, 40/42, price is 420. i can give u discounts for purchases not less than 150 hanks (esp. for cash payments). our casings are from Europe, 90 meters per hank (approx. 1-1.2 kg), long strands so u can stuff more compared to long-shorts and shorts. but if u prefer long-shorts, we also have them for only 380 per hank. just give me a call or send me a message if ur interested. thank u.

  8. paul says:

    how to prepare restructured duck ham?

  9. Leo says:

    @romano, check with Spices Foodmix Tel. Nos.: 411-1349, 742-0826, 742-7866

  10. romano says:

    where can i buy sausage casing for home use.?

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