Sausage casings have a long lifespan. You can even expand it with proper storage methods. Please note that each type of casing requires a different condition.
So, how to store sausage casings correctly? For a complete guide, let’s follow our lead! We have everything you need right here.
How To Store Sausage Casings?
There are two types of casings: natural and artificial. Due to the difference in structure and ingredients, you need to use different storage methods.
Natural casings
Refrigerators and freezers are the best places to store natural sausage casings. However, you need to seal them in wet salt (brine) or dried salt beforehand.
Wet salt
Brine has more moisture than granulated salt. The main purpose of the brine solution is to prevent frost burn.
Because salt water doesn’t freeze, it will help avoid freezing the case to prevent ripping.
Furthermore, wet brine is ideal for casing storage when there are more of them. It needs less salt while being able to maintain a sizable portion of the casings.
Dried salt
Dried salt will be a better choice if you want to preserve the casings for a long time without using the freezer.
When using dried salt, do not add more mineral marine salts. The taste and look of natural casings may change when sea salt comes with more minerals.
The best salts are pure, kosher, and non-iodized. You can combine sea salt and table salt for the best effect.
The easiest way to preserve natural casings is to keep them in an airtight bag.
The salt should completely cover it. Also, do not ever allow the temperature to rise above 40°F.
Artificial casings
Artificial casings contain collagen and cellulose. Collagen comes from animal bones or skins and is edible. Cellulose, on the other hand, is not safe to consume.
To preserve these casings, you need to keep them in a dry, cool place after placing them in an airtight container.
Many dry sausages have fibrous casings. They are shelf-stable and dehydrated already. Remember to keep these casings dry until usage.
It is not necessary to salt collagen casings, but refrigeration is necessary. By doing so, they won’t dry out and suffer case cracking.
Additionally, refrigeration reduces the chances of expansion. Hence, the casings won’t fracture even when full.
Another idea when storing artificial casings is to keep them in their original packages. With the proper condition, they can last up to two years there.
Can You Freeze Sausage Casings?
There are different methods for storing various kinds of sausage casings. Some won’t withstand freezing either, so be careful if you choose this method.
Wet brine solution and natural casings are ideal for freezing. This combination helps prevent crystallization and freezer burn, allowing them to remain good for two years. Just make sure that they don’t tear apart while freezing.
If you intend only to store the casings for one or two weeks, freezing won’t be a good choice. Refrigeration will suffice in this case.
Conclusion
Freezing and refrigerating are the two common ways to store sausage casings.
Yet, the detailed instructions differ depending on whether you work with natural or synthetic products.
If you have any questions about this topic, please comment below. I will reply to you as soon as possible to solve your problem.
