How to make a better hot dog: Wahoo has it clear

The 19th century German statesman Otto Bismarck famously said: “Laws are like sausages: it is better not to see how they are made.”

He complained about the government. But this is an easy date to take both ways for anyone who has seen any of them. General procedures are typically messy and disgusting affairs that would turn off even the most ardent lover of any of them. It is best to remain ignorant and enjoy them. Sausages, that is. Who enjoys the laws?

So while there is obviously a lot to write about the law, today we will consider the sausage. Or more specifically, the humble hot dog.

Hot dogs are typically made from what the meat industry charitably calls “trimmings.” These are the leftover beef, pork, and poultry after the best cuts are taken and sold. These are mixed with all kinds of fillings, spiced up a bit, and somehow made America’s favorite hot dog.

But lately, various companies have started making a better hot dog. One that will please the health conscious as well as the hungry sports or picnic fan.

Wahoo Nebraska’s OK Market is one of those companies, but not the only one. However, their Wahoo sausages are a good example of what can be done with the humble hot dog.

For example, while a typical industrial dog is about 30% fat, the Wahoo is made from 90% lean ground beef and 85% lean pork shoulder. They have no added fats or fillers. In fact, the only ingredients added are spices and a small amount of sodium nitrite required for curing.

The seasoned meat is stuffed into natural sheep casings like much more expensive sausages and hung in a smokehouse on hickory chips for at least 4 hours.

The Wahoo Wiener is meaty, juicy, and extremely flavorful. And it shows us that even the common hot dog can be something beautiful and of quality.