We all know that, as tasty as they are, sausages are not considered to be the healthiest of meat choices. In fact, over the past few years, there has been even more negative publicity surrounding the good old British sausage, with health issues caused by chemicals such as nitrates which are commonly used during meat-processing as a preservative.
What’s more, sausages have a relatively high fat and salt content, which have also been linked to health issues such as heart disease and cancer.
As a result of this ‘scaremongering’, health experts have been encouraging us to cut down on processed meats to improve our general well-being and overall health. So our expert team at Hugh Phillips Gower Butcher have come ups with some guidelines to help you to choose the healthiest option when it comes to sausages as well as details on how we produce our own low fat, hand-made beef sausges.
Meat content in sausages
High meat content is usually an indicator of a better-quality sausage. When shopping, look out for sausages that are at least 70% meat. You should also check what other ingredients are used in sausages before you buy them. Look out for a decent percentage of cereals or fruit and vegetables (like leek or apple which are now very popular), as these can help to reduce the fat content; but avoid ones which have too many ingredients other than meat.
You should always select fresh sausages for a start and check the packaging to ensure they have relatively low saturated fat and salt content.
Reduced fat beef sausages
Sausages are usually made from pork, but at Hugh Phillips Gower Butchers we make our own beef and cracked black pepper sausages which are low in fat and packed full of flavour. Hand-made by our very own butchers, these popular sausages are not only exceptionally tasty but are suitable for anyone following a low fat, healthy diet.
We use cuts from the fore quarters of our traditionally matured grass fed Welsh Beef which are trimmed to 80% visual lean before mincing. We mix the minced beef with This is then mixed with cracked black pepper seasoning before creating our deliciously lean meaty sausages which can be enjoyed with a completely clear conscience.
Best Way to Cook Sausages
Our beef sausages can be fried, grilled, baked or poached. Whichever way you choose to cook them, you should always cut the sausage links before cooking. Don’t pierce good quality, low fat sausages as you will let all the moisture and flavour out. They should also be cooked at a moderate heat as if they are cooked at a high temperature the skins may burst. You should also turn the sausages regularly so that they cook evenly and don’t burn; and ensure they are cooked right through to the centre.
Baking or grilling sausages are healthier than frying them and if you’re planning on barbecuing your sausages, it’s best to poach them first to keep them moist and to ensure they are cooked through.
We love this recipe by James Martin from BBC’s Saturday Kitchen for beef sausage toad in the hole with onion gravy.
Hand Made Beef Sausages
Our beef and cracked black pepper sausages are a popular choice from both our shop in Swansea market and the on-line shop at www.bestonlinebutcher.co.uk.
To find more or to order your sausage today, visit our website by clicking on the image below:
