What is the surface flower of dry sausage for?

Widely appreciated around the world, the dry sausage adds extra flavor to many recipes. It is made from pork, salt, pepper and other ingredients that enhance its taste. Its skin is strewn with a white matter, similar to flour. This is the natural flower whose importance few people know. Find out here what this layer on the surface of the sausage is for.

What is dried sausage flower?

This white matter is a collection of micro-organisms, particularly molds and a little yeast that appear during the curing process of the sausage. The thin layer develops on the sausages with a natural pork casing skin. They are natural elements whose development occurs due to the ingredients present in the sausage.

Some manufacturers can, however, create an artificial flower on industrial products from the agents responsible for the white tint. This is sown during casing. Other artificial veils are mixtures of talc and chemical preservatives. They are used when the true natural veil is poorly developed or the sausage had to be cleaned due to the appearance of an unwanted bloom.

A traditional dry sausage has a variable color depending on the type of product and the period. Generally white, the natural flower can have a color in shades of white, yellow or even gray. Its color can also be green, but in this case you should pay attention to the general condition of the product. If the sausage does not ooze and has no bad smell, it is still edible.

What is the role of sausage flower?

The flower on the skin of the sausage plays a protective role for the meat. The microorganisms on the surface constitute a barrier against pathogens. Molds regulate humidity to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria. The flower also helps preserve the freshness and quality of the sausage, important parameters for its preservation.

The surface grain is also an indicator of craftsmanship. A well-developed flower is the sign of production carried out under the best conditions. This coat develops evenly when the sausage has the right humidity and is dried at the right temperature. This indicates better quality and allows for longer shelf life.

Is it possible to eat a sausage skin with the surface flower?

The molds that make up the flower of the sausage refine its taste and texture. From an organoleptic point of view, they contribute to the development of pleasant aromas. For purists, consuming sausage with a skin endowed with a beautiful flower offers a unique taste experience.

Manufacturers ensure the safety of the skin before marketing. Some strains on the surface belong to the genus Penicillium, a family of microorganisms used to manufacture certain drugs. The dry sausage flower as it appears on Directos.eu products can therefore be eaten, without any problem.

In summary, it should be remembered that the surface flower of the dry sausage serves to protect the meat during maturation. It facilitates better preservation of the product and enhances its taste value. Find out more about storing sausage >