Differences between sausages??

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dougmays

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
Nov 18, 2010
2,563
96
Gainesville, FL
Ok as someone who cooks alot, knows a decent amount about foods and recipes, i feel alittle dumb not knowing this...and it's something i've wondered for YEARS!

What is the difference between sausages....ok broad question...but "breakfast sausages" which i think are the same as "Italian sausage" and kielbasa (sp?) have never suited me proper...usually i'll eat one link and i'll feel a little sick to my stomach or just plain wont each another.

On the other hand "hickory smoked sausage" that you buy at the store (johnsonville and other popular brands) i absolutely love!  For some reason the before mentioned "types" of sausages have a tangyness (for lack of a better term) that i dont like.  This type of sausage does not have that.

Also what is summer sausage? is that another term for pepperoni? because i also love this kind! 

most sausages are pork (unless you specifically buy turkey) correct? so is it all about the spices and herbs? Maybe it's the "Italian" or "herby" flavor i do not like and maybe i like the kinds with less "seasoning"

ok not sure if my ramblings made sense but this has been a burning question on my mind for atleast 20 years haha
 
Ok as someone who cooks alot, knows a decent amount about foods and recipes, i feel alittle dumb not knowing this...and it's something i've wondered for YEARS!

What is the difference between sausages....ok broad question...but "breakfast sausages" which i think are the same as "Italian sausage"Nope, different spices but they are both FRESH Sausage...meaning no Cure or Smoke added  and kielbasa (sp?)The most common form available in Megamart IS Cured and Smoked...so Different from the other two with A Lot more Garlic in the Mix...  have never suited me proper...usually i'll eat one link and i'll feel a little sick to my stomach or just plain wont each another.

On the other hand "hickory smoked sausage" that you buy at the store (johnsonville and other popular brands) i absolutely love!These are Similar to Kielbasa but with less Garlic and some other spices added...   For some reason the before mentioned "types" of sausages have a tangyness (for lack of a better term) that i dont like.  This type of sausage does not have that. Tangy as in Sour Cream is an Indication that the sausage is Spoiled and may make you sick!

Also what is summer sausage? This frequently refers to a Cooked Smoked Sausage made in the summer because a DRY Cured Sausage like Salami, and Pepperoni is best done at 55*F  is that another term for pepperoni? Not really but you may find some that are spicy like Pepperoni  because i also love this kind! 

most sausages are pork (unless you specifically buy turkey) correct?Pork or Pork, Beef, Veal, Blends  so is it all about the spices and herbs?YEP!! Maybe it's the "Italian" or "herby" flavor i do not likeFennel, think Black Jelly beans, is the Main Spice in Italian Sausage....Nutmeg and Sage is common in Breakfast Sausage  and maybe i like the kinds with less "seasoning"

ok not sure if my ramblings made sense but this has been a burning question on my mind for atleast 20 years haha Aren't you Glad you found us!?!...JJ
 
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Hey Doug!!

  The summer sausage that I brought was venison and pork with an AC Leggs mix and smoked with hickory. Fairly simple.

Here is a great site that lists lots of different recipes and why they taste like they do!!

http://lpoli.50webs.com/index.htm

  Craig
 
JJ gave you excellent info and Craig sent you an excellent link.

The sausage trail is long and winding, but it sure is a fun trip.

Good luck and good smoking.
 
Thanks JJ....

so i guess my preference is Cured and Smoked haha

when i said tangy that was just a bad word choice...not spoiled.  maybe i'm mildy allergic to a certain ingrediant in those types of sausges that i do not like...beacause the taste gets to me and i feel a little sick in my stomach when i eat it...even italian sausage on a pizza hut pizza. haha

great info here!
 
Thanks JJ....

so i guess my preference is Cured and Smoked haha

when i said tangy that was just a bad word choice...not spoiled.  maybe i'm mildy allergic to a certain ingrediant in those types of sausges that i do not like...beacause the taste gets to me and i feel a little sick in my stomach when i eat it...even italian sausage on a pizza hut pizza. haha

great info here!
If your talking pizza hut sausage or store bought then you must never had good sausage...... I'll pm you with some ideas.......

Joe
 
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