Paper Palate

Let’s talk dogs for a minute. Hot dogs, that is.

I like hot dogs … no, love them. Despite all their unhealthy glory, I really enjoy a good dog piled high with sauerkraut, ketchup, relish and occationally onions. It’s the quintessential Summer food, perfect for the backyard barbecue, the ball park and the beach.

This month, Gourmet ran a story all about hot dogs and where they come from. Here’s the blurb:

Going to the Dogs by Michael Ruhlman
A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into your favorite hot dogs. Plus: Thinking about making your own? Think again.

The thing about the article is that he keeps referring to “natural casings” as if everyone should know exactly what a natural casing is. While I had an inkling, I am not afraid to say that I didn’t know for sure what a natural casing is. So, of course, I had to find out so that I could share with you. I found my answer on the West-Pol Ltd. website. West-Pol Ltd. is a natural casings manufacturer.

What are natural casings?

Natural casings are made from the submucosa, a largely collagen layer of the intestine. The fat and the inner muscosa lining are removed.

My first reaction when I read that? NEVER AGAIN!!! But then I had to think. I’ve been eating these for my entire life, in blissful ignorance. Will I stop for having this knowledge? Probably not. Honestly, as a wise person said to me, if I liked them yesterday I will like them tomorrow.

That being said, I wish I was a little less curious.