This is an old article from 2010. It has seen a surge in popularity recently, so I updated it.
I was in Asda recently getting something for my dinner, and as I walked past the cooked meat cabinet, I noticed a new product line: Berlinki Classic Hot Dog Sausages.
I have a bit of a weak spot for cooked meats and continental sausages, so I bought a few packs.
Now, the product is vacuum packed just like you see in the picture. And just like other products of this nature usually are. So, when I got home, I opened a pack and took one out to try it. I bit into it and thought “these are a bit tough”.
After a few seconds of chewing something didn’t seem right. It wasn’t becoming more… chewed. So, I spit the mouthful out – it was still quite unchewed in comparison to the way these things usually are at this stage. I then realised that the bloody sausages are also individually wrapped – and I mean tightly – in a plastic skin! You need a pair of scissors to snip into it, then you can peel it off – it’s like a condom on the damned things!
I mean, why?
They are nice, though.
Note: I initially thought the plastic skin could be a manufacturing fault. I was watching a documentary on Discovery, and they were making hot dog sausages on there. The plastic skin has markings on it which are used for quality control purposes and are usually removed.
Edit: No, it isn’t a fault. They’re supposed to be like that and the pack as of 2022 states clearly that all plastic must be removed.
How do you cook Berlinki hot dog sausages?
Someone found the blog on that search term. Well, they’re already cooked and you only need to reheat them. The best way is to put them in a small amount of boiling water (salted if you prefer) – take that plastic off first – for a few minutes to let them heat through. This is the same for all the Frankfurter-type hot dog sausages you buy in jars or tins (in brine). In fact, for these use the brine they’re in, boil it, then put the sausages in it for a few minutes.
Why are they wrapped in plastic?
My guess is that the plastic is used as a “skin” while they are being manufactured, so they hold their shape as the meat mass is being extruded. They they’re cut to length and cooked/packed as they are. I don’t know for certain. However, see my edit comment above – they are supposed to be like that!