Almost any part of the pig can end up in sausages. Quality can vary, from cheap, fatty specimens stuffed with pork that has been blasted off the carcasses, to the finest quality pork minced with nothing other than seasoning and a pinch of spice – often the only thing these two extremes have in common is their shape. Sausages are traditionally encased in sheep, pig or ox intestines, but synthetic skins are also now used. They range in size from thumb-sized cocktail sausages, to finger-thin chipolatas to the thicker banger. The meat may be mixed with breadcrumbs, cereals or other ingredients such as leek or apple. Some sausages, such as Cumberland, are sold wound in a coil.
Read the list of ingredients before buying so you know what you're getting. Also look for the country of origin (be aware that many sausages may contain meat from anywhere other than the UK).
