DirectionsFor best results soak over night in cooler in water that starts out at 90º F (32.2ºC). If in a hurry, follow these instructions but understand that you may not get maximum expansion capacity from the casing. Rushing the soaking process can result in the casing being sticky and they may not slide easily from the horn. This can result in breakage and sausage that is irregular in diameter or too small.
Cover unused casings in brine solution or granulated salt and store in cooler at 40º (4.44ºC) or less but do not freeze.
How tight you stuff sausage casings depends on the type of sausage and how it is to be linked. For natural casings: When making a rope sausage, without linking, stuff to slightly less than the maximum expansion of the casings. If linking by machine, stuff 3-4 mm below the maximum expansion of the casing. Consult the instructions for the linker or your linker supplier because there can be significant differences in equipment. If linking by hand stuff 4-5 mm below the maximum expansion of the casing. Hand linking can put uneven stress on the casing. By under stuffing, you can reduce breakage during linking. Check the firmness of the link and adjust the stuffing pressure.
Cooking a sausage can toughen any casing. To maximize the tender bite of a casing, cook with moisture. Prick sausage before grilling.
How do you twist the casings into links?
Slowly pinch the casing where you want a link to start, and twist the link clockwise. For the next link, twist counterclockwise; then clockwise again, and so forth. Be very gentle, or you'll burst the casing!
My casings smell bad; are they still good?
Usually Yes. When your natural casings first arrive there may be some gas build up in the container, especially in hot weather.
What can I do to knock out the bad smell in my casings?
Usually all it needs is airing out. Leave the container open in the cooler for a while.
Putting baking soda in your soak water may also help.
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