“For you, can sausage be eaten with or without skin?“, on M6, the question was (finally) asked. Because yes, the French are real gluttons when it comes to sausages: each year, more than 70,000 tonnes are devoured. However, we can only wonder about the nutritional composition of this skin, which is not very appetizing at first glance. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, interviewed on this subject, shares valuable information with us.
The skin of the sausage, a tissue from the intestines
The skin of the sausage constitutes one of the fundamental elements of this charcuterie product. It usually comes from the intestines of certain animals, such as pork, beef or sheep, which are carefully cleaned and then salted. Once dried, this skin or “casing” is used to coat the sausage, like an envelope.
“Here, we use natural casings, but sometimes this skin that some keep and others remove is synthetic.” reveals the M6 documentary devoted to this subject. “In supermarkets, we will have skin that is collagenous. It’s not plastic, it’s collagen. It’s a little more rigid, more solid.” specifies a laboratory assistant.
Skin question, we would therefore have the choice between a more “artisanal” and a more industrial one, visually resembling paper (or plastic). But whatever the quality of this casing, should we still consume it?
On social networks, the question is debated… not without seriousness.
“Personally I love the taste of the skin“, says an Internet user.“Personally I always remove the skin, I thought it was plastic”, says another.”If it comes off easily, it is synthetic gut. If it breaks (…), it’s natural gut, so you eat it all!“, advises a last one.
However, on many sausages, the packaging indicates “to remove the skin before consumption“. By simple taste preference or for (real) health reasons? Dr Gérald Kierzek enlightens us.
It can be “difficult to digest and sometimes even inedible”
Eating the skin of the sausage is not dangerous for your health.if it is of natural origin (traditional pork casing) and the product is very dry and healthy“, confirms in the preamble the medical director of True Medical.
Only, ““We must avoid consuming the skin if it is synthetic (collagen, cellulose) or plastic, because it has no taste value, can be difficult to digest and sometimes even inedible.” he continues. “For industrial sausages, the skin is often artificial and it is better to remove it. In case of abnormal mold (green…) or a suspicious odor, do not eat the skin. Otherwise the skin is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber”, concludes the doctor.