Facts About Landjäger
Landjäger is a semi-dried sausage originating from Southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Alsace. Revered as a popular snack, especially among hikers, it boasts a rich history as a soldier's ration due to its long shelf life and convenient single-serving portions. Landjäger can also be boiled and served with potatoes and fresh greens for a hearty meal.
The name "Landjäger" possibly derives from the dialect term "lang tige(n)" which means 'smoked for a long time.' This delicious sausage comprises a mixture of beef, pork, lard, sugar, red wine, and spices. The blend is pressed into a mold, then smoked and dried, resulting in its characteristic rectangular shape. A typical pair of Landjäger sausages measures about 15–20 cm in length, weighs approximately 100 grams, and contains around 516 calories.
In Austria, Landjäger can even be made with horse meat. For many avid hunters, Landjäger is more than just food; it represents a cherished tradition intertwined with hunting practices that have been handed down through generations.