Operating since 1912, Des Moines, Iowa-based, Graziano Brothers Inc. specializes in Italian imported and domestic foods, and is the manufacturer of five types of Italian sausage that is available in link, bulk, and patty forms. Graziano Brothers Inc.’s sausage is made from top-quality, fresh pork and Italian seasonings, and has no added preservatives.
Italian sausage is made from pork and spices, and typically comes in sweet, mild, and hot varieties. The mild version typically contains spices such as fennel and anise. In addition to the fennel and anise, the hot version also contains hot red pepper flakes, and the sweet version contains sweet basil. The best way to obtain authentic Italian sausage is to purchase it from a specialized vendor, although you can also make it yourself.
Since it is a raw meat product, Italian sausage should be cooked to a temperature of 160°F. It is most often cooked on a stovetop, in the oven, or on a grill, though there are other methods to cook it. Cooking Italian sausages too fast, at too high of a temperature, and unevenly should be avoided, since this can cause the skins to split and the outside to darken while leaving the inside uncooked.
