Casings

[andyg2570]

Ok, please bare with me I am very new to this.
I got some casings from a local butchers shop for my snack sticks, should these be soacked before using?

Thanks

[pensrock]

It depends on what kind of casing it is. If its a fresh casing from a pig or sheep and packed in a brine or salt, then yes rinse them and I actually run cold water through them and let sit in a bowl of cold water till I stuff the sausages.
If they are collegen cases, then you can use as is, right out of the package. Hope this helps.
pens

[bullhead]

Welcome to the forum andyg2570
1st you did not say what type of casings they are. If they are natural casings they will need to be soaked and rinsed, because they are packed in salt.collagen casings are man made they do not get rinsed, just stuff them. Good luck with your sausage makeing.

[andyg2570]

To be honest I am not sure what type of casing they are.
The butcher just put them in a zip lock bag.
I will try both methods to see which works best.

Thanks for your help.   :)

[pensrock]

Are they packed in salt or a brine? If so rinse.
I do not think you want to rinse collagen casings, they will probably not work well if wet.

Check this site out.
http://www.butcher-packer.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=85&zenid=386b1bf6fca1bef8d7976b5a3efbf9e0