The spelling of "Vienna Sausage" may seem straightforward, but it can be tricky for those unfamiliar with English phonetics. The word is pronounced /viˈɛnə ˈsɒsɪdʒ/ (vee-EN-uh SAW-sij), with the stress on the first syllable. In English, the letter V is pronounced like a voiced labiodental fricative /v/, while the E in Vienna is pronounced like a short i /ɪ/. The double S in sausage is pronounced like a voiceless alveolar sibilant /s/, followed by a voiced palato-alveolar fricative /ʒ/ sound.
Vienna sausage is a type of small, canned sausage that originated in Vienna, Austria. It is typically made from a mixture of ground pork, beef, and spices, which is then finely ground and emulsified to create a smooth texture. The sausage mixture is then stuffed into a casing, often made of cellulose or collagen, and cooked.
Vienna sausages are usually sold in cans and are a popular convenience food, enjoyed as a snack or used in various recipes. They are typically fully cooked during the canning process, making them ready to eat without any further cooking needed. The sausages are typically preserved in a brine or gelatinous liquid, which helps to maintain their moisture and flavor.
These sausages are characterized by their small size, usually measuring about three to four inches in length. They have a soft and tender texture, which is a result of the emulsification process. Vienna sausages have a mild and slightly seasoned flavor, often with hints of garlic, salt, and spices.
Vienna sausages are widely consumed across the globe, and they have become particularly popular in the United States and other Western countries as a portable and shelf-stable snack. Despite their name, Vienna sausages are not as commonly consumed in Vienna, Austria, where they are less prominent than other traditional sausages like bratwurst or frankfurters.
The word "Vienna" in "Vienna Sausage" refers to the capital city of Austria, Vienna. However, despite its name, Vienna Sausage did not originate in Vienna. The term "Vienna Sausage" came to be associated with a specific type of processed meat product that was popularized by American canning companies in the late 19th century.
The sausages were initially made in Germany and were known as "Wiener Würstchen", meaning "little Vienna sausages". This term was a nod to the original Viennese recipe that inspired the creation of these sausages. Due to their popularity, German immigrants brought them to the United States, where American companies began producing and marketing them, giving rise to the term "Vienna Sausage".
Over time, the term "Vienna Sausage" became a genericized name for any small, canned sausage.