In order to answer this question in a manner that will help you fully understand, we need to learn other things first. Do you know the basics of sausage casings and how they are manufactured? These casings are available in a cylindrical form and they prove quite helpful in allowing the sausage meat to stay fresh and full of flavors. Now, the natural ones are made using the submucosa which is basically obtained from the gastrointestinal area of the animals. After extraction, these are thoroughly washed and cleaned to get rid of any unpleasant elements. Different animals are used to make sausage casings that include sheep, hogs, cattle, etc. The prices of the casings are determined on the basis of dimensions, so the measurements during the production process need to be accurate. Let’s talk about different types of natural casings used across the world.
As the name suggests, the raw materials for this one are taken out of the intestinal parts of hogs. These kinds of casings are more favorable for sausages with small diameters. You can utilize this packaging for both cooked and raw sausage meat without any difficulty. It should be noted that these casings are produced after undergoing multiple cleaning procedures and taking proper measurements. What’s important to understand is that pig casings are completely transparent allowing you to clearly see the sausage meat. They keep the eatables fresh while helping them retain their deliciousness for a sufficient amount of time.
Made from the intestines of sheep, this one is quite popularly used across the globe to fulfill commercial requirements. Sheep casings are available in a couple of colors like white and gray. Moreover, you can use these ones to keep pork sausage tender and fresh for a long period. It is safe to say that these are the smallest of all the natural casings produced. They are soaked in both hot and cold waters to eliminate all the undesirable odors and materials during the manufacturing process.
Coming back to the query, whether it is safe to eat natural casings or not, we can successfully arrive at a logical conclusion now. Since the casings are made using the intestines of various animals, you can eat them without worrying about any adverse effects on your health. However, it might not taste as good as you think. Some of the casings that are thin can be easily chewed and consumed, but that is not the case with the thick ones. Although the thick casings are edible as well, you might not enjoy eating them. It is advisable to take them off before frying the sausage, so you get to dine on the meat in a fulfilling manner.