What’s your deli IQ? There are many types of specialty meats available at the counter, but it’s easy to get confused when so many of them resemble each other. This is particularly the case with sausage and bratwurst, as both of these popular links come packed with flavor. While they may look alike, the similarities end there. 

Sausage vs. Bratwurst

1. Ingredients

Sausages are typically made with freshly ground pork, beef, or veal, but chicken and turkey sausages are also popular. Those meats are combined with spices and herbs to give the sausage its distinctive flavor. Bratwurst, on the other hand, is a type of sausage usually made with veal or pork. Its flavor typically comes from additions like coriander, caraway seeds, and nutmeg.

2. Preparation

You may come across deli specialty meats prepared in different ways. Both sausage and bratwurst are versatile in this regard. Sausage can be grilled, baked, fried, or boiled while bratwurst is typically grilled, sautéed, or broiled.

3. Serving

There are many ways to eat both deli meats. Sausages are a popular breakfast food, and they are also added to numerous recipes, ranging from pasta to pizza. In Germany, bratwurst is traditionally consumed with a side of potato salad, sauerkraut, or on a roll with mustard. Unlike sausages, bratwurst is a popular fast food in Germany.

4. Names

What’s in a name? “Sausage” was originally spelled “sawsyge” and used for the first time in the mid-1400s. This word was derived from the French “saucisse,” which was further derived from Latin’s “salsicia,” or seasoned with salt.” “Bratwurst” can be broken down into “brat,” or finely chopped meat, and “wurst,” or sausage.

At JJ International Delicatessen, you’ll find everything from traditional to specialty meats and cheeses from Europe. The international market, based in Port Jervis, NY, is the area’s leading source for mouthwatering sausage. You can even shop the deli for grocery items to complete your meal! Visit the website for more information, or give them a call at (845) 858-1142.