Here at Stoltzfus Meats, we love a good Landjaeger sausage. And, while we've attempted to make our own version of this product several times, we've discovered that the tricky production process is best left to the pros who have been doing it for generations. For this reason, we sell Dietz and Watson brand Landjaegers, which is among the best brands we've ever tried. But what is a Landjaeger exactly?
Landjaegers: A Traditional (Shelf-Stable!) German Snack Stick
Landjaegers, like so many other amazing meat products, trace their origin to Germany. The German word "jäger" means "hunter," and this particular product has traditionally been popular with hunters because it can be safely stored and carried without refrigeration. You may notice that your package of Landjaegers says "keep refrigerated." This is not because the product needs to stay cold. It is completely shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature. Refrigeration simply prevents wicking of the Lactic Acid in the Landjaegers. At room temperature, small, white bits of Lactic Acid will sometimes form on the outside of the Landjaeger. This is a perfectly natural process and does not indicate spoilage.
Making a Landjaeger
The Landjaegers we sell are fully cooked, shelf-stable, and ready to eat. They are slow smoked with hickory wood and pack an amazing natural smoke flavor. No MSG is added. Whole carraway seeds and garlic powder help round out the flavor profile. The texture of the Landjaeger is partly formed by the dry smoking of the beef and pork and partly by the Lactic Acid. All of these components come together to form a great tasting snack stick. We sell ours in a bulk pack with plenty of Landjaegers to keep your larder stocked. Whether chowing down on a Landjaeger for a post-workout protein boost, or packing them in your child's school lunch, the uses of this product are many. And, with the holidays coming up, they make a perfect Christmas gift.
What Does Lactic Acid Do?
Lactic Acid is an amazing thing! Not only does Lactic Acid prevent bacterial growth (which allows for Landjaegers to be shelf-stable), it also adds flavor, texture, and is a natural antioxidant. Lactic Acid is often associated with muscle soreness. This is a myth, however: while Lactic Acid does build up in the blood during exercise, it has no bearing on muscle pain. In fact, Lactic Acid is a core component of cell respiration and the production of glucose. In other words, it's important for giving us energy! And with 8 grams of protein in a single serving of Landjaegers, this delicious snack stick is a great source of energy. Perfect for hiking in the cold woods on a late fall day.
Those German hunters know what they are talking about!