Braunschweiger and liverwurst are two processed meat delicacies from Germany. They might have a similar origin, but they are entirely different. Their cooking methods differ, with braunschweiger being smoked and liverwurst boiled. The ingredients used also affect the flavor and texture. So, braunschweiger or liverwurst? Let’s find out.
What is Braunschweiger?
Braunschweiger is a smoked sausage made from pork or beef liver. The meat is ground till fine, and flavorings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cardamom are added. The meat is then packed in a natural or synthetic casing.
The ingredients used to make this delicacy might vary depending on the location. For example, Australia-made braunschweiger consists of pork, beef, bacon, and sodium nitrate as preservatives. The German version is made from raw minced pork with spices like garlic and pepper.
You might also find braunschweiger with variable names. It is referred to as pork liver sausage in North America and Canada.
What is Braunschweiger made of?
Braunschweiger typically consists of pork or liver trimmings cooked in casings in water. It might also contain salt, corn syrup, spices, dried onions, and preservatives like dextrose and sodium nitrite.
What does Braunschweiger taste like?
Braunschweiger has high amounts of vitamin A, iron, and protein with a spreadable texture. Different people have varying opinions on how it tastes. However, many note a distinctive liver, pepper, and onion taste. It might be confusing to determine the exact taste depending on the ratio and the ingredients used. Either way, the liver taste is the most dominant as it’s a primary ingredient.
Best way to eat liverwurst
There are endless options on how you can enjoy your liverwurst. You can eat it as an appetizer, a spread on fresh bread, and so many other ways. Some of them include:
- Sandwich: Add liverwurst to a small tea sandwich with a slice of meat, cucumbers, mayonnaise, and white bread.
- Appetizer: Liverwurst stored at room temperature can be used to make a dip or as a topping for appetizers.
- Entrée: Cook and serve the liverwurst with fried onions and green salad.
- Spread: Use liverwurst just the same way you would use any other spread. Stuff vegetables and eat alongside meat.
- Soups and stews: Add slices of liverwurst into your soup or stew to enhance flavor. Add meat, vegetables, and some of your favorite ingredients to the liverwurst soup.
- Pan-fried: Slice liverwurst thinly and pan-fry with some butter and onions.
What is liverwurst?
Liverwurst, also known as liverwurst or liver sausage, is cooked sausage made from cow or pig liver. It is seasoned with various seasonings like salt, black or white pepper, coriander, and mustard seeds. It originated in Germany but has grown famous in other parts of the world. It comes in two varieties; one is firm but with a soft texture, and the other comes in a spreadable form similar to Pate.
What is liverwurst made of?
Liverwurst is made from liver and other meat organs. The meat can be beef, pork, or venison, and it uses different flavorings like onions, white pepper, coriander, thyme, and allspice. Some products also include braunschweiger and are often flavored with bacon.
The taste of liverwurst varies depending on the type of offal used. It also includes fat and organ meat like the heart and kidney. All these ingredients are ground together in various proportions, then stuffed in sausage casing.
What does liverwurst taste like?
Liverwurst is made from liver and fats that give it a distinct flavor. You will note a strong liver taste, and the mixture of herbs and spices contributes to its overall flavor profile. Some people describe the taste as that of Pate.
How to eat Braunschweiger
There are several ways you can enjoy braunschweiger. You can make sandwiches for lunch with butter or mayonnaise and top them with ketchup, or you can fry and serve them hot. Here is how you should eat braunschweiger.
- Appetizer: Make a creamy spread as an appetizer or as a snack.
- Snack: Spread the braunschweiger on a cracker and enjoy.
- Sandwich: Spread some braunschweiger into slices over rye bread and eat with lettuce and mayonnaise.
- Enjoy by itself: A simple plate of liver sausage can be eaten on its own!
- Liver sausage: Make a liver sausage and cream cheese ball.
Braunschweiger versus Liverwurst versus pate at a glance
These three delicacies are often confusing since they contain liver as the primary ingredient. Braunschweiger is made from liver and seasonings; liverwurst consists of liver, allspice, fat, and other types of meat; Pate is made from liver, spices, fat, egg, and forcemeat. But how do they differ?
- Definition
Braunschweiger is made from beef or pork liver with seasonings for boosting flavor. Liverwurst is defined as a soft, spreadable sausage made from the liver, while Pate is described as a spreadable paste made from fat and forcemeat.
- Origin
Braunschweiger originates from Germany and is named after the German city Brunswick. Liverwurst also originated from Germany in 1852, while Pate is a France creation.
- Size
Braunschweiger and liverwurst come in 2 ½” diameter and 1/4’’ diameter, while Pate comes in different sizes.
What is the difference between braunschweiger and liverwurst?
Braunschweiger and liverwurst are translated into liver sausages. They might be similar in many ways, but they are obviously different. The main difference is how they are prepared. If you are a lover of these two, it might be easier to tell them apart. But what exactly differentiates these two?
- Type of meat
Braunschweiger is mainly made from pork meat, while liverwurst is made with pork, beef, or fat.
- Organs
While liverwurst includes the liver and other organs like the heart and kidney, braunschweiger primarily consists of the liver.
- Ingredients
Braunschweiger consists of liver, and seasonings like salt, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and garlic powder. It might also include bacon or onions for additional flavor. Liverwurst, on the other hand, consists of liver, heart, kidney, salt, marjoram, mustard seeds, allspice, black and white pepper, coriander, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Taste
Braunschweiger has a liver taste with bits of peppery and Smokey flavor, while liverwurst has a liver taste.
- Recipe
Braunschweiger is boiled and smoked, while liverwurst is just boiled.
- Texture
Braunschweiger has a soft, spreadable texture, while liverwurst is more paste-like.
Braunschweiger nutrition facts
| Ingredients | Qty |
| – Calories | 80 |
| -Total fat | 6g |
| -Cholesterol | 40 mg |
| -Sodium | 310 mg |
| -Total carbs | 1 g |
| -Protein | 4 g |
| -Vitamin A | 600 mcg |
| -Calcium | 20 mg |
| -Iron | 0.7 mg |
Braunschweiger nutritional information
Braunschweiger is loaded with nutrients beneficial for our health. However, if you are on a straight diet, it is best to consume it in moderation.
- High-fat content
Animal proteins like the liver are high in fat. Not only does Braunchsweiger have a high total fat content but saturated as well.
- High sodium
Sodium regulates blood volume and muscle contractions. If you suffer from high blood pressure or any heart disease, you should consume less than 5 ounces daily.
- High cholesterol
A high intake of cholesterol takes a toll on the body. It promotes plaque buildup in arteries, so if you have any heart disease, it is better to consume braunschweiger in moderation.
- Protein and carbohydrate
Meat has high proteins and few carbs.
- Vitamin A, B
Braunschweiger is a good source of vitamin A that promotes a healthy immune system and good eyesight. On the other hand, Vitamin B helps break down proteins, carbs, and fats and turn them into energy.
- Iron
Since beef and liver have a high amount of iron, braunschweiger is also loaded with it. It helps produce myoglobin and hemoglobin that transports oxygen through the body.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is liverwurst spread made of?
Liverwurst spread consists of pork liver, fats, water, and seasonings like onions, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
2. Is liverwurst the same as pate?
No. Liverwurst tastes like Pate, but they are not the same thing. These two delicacies originated from different parts of the world.
3. What is braunschweiger spread?
Braunschweiger spread is blended with onions, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cream cheese until a fine paste is achieved. It can be rolled in nuts or served with crackers.
4. Is braunschweiger good for you?
Braunschweiger has a good amount of protein, vitamins A and B, fats, and iron. It is also high in sodium and cholesterol, so it should not be taken in excess.
Wrap up
Braunschweiger and liverwurst are both traditional liver sausages made from pork or beef liver. What differentiates them is that braunschweiger can be smoked, while liverwurst is just boiled. They can be enjoyed in different ways since they are not specific to a particular recipe.