Is Chorizo Made from Lymph Nodes – (+ An Exclusive Recipe!)

Chorizo refers to a Portuguese/Spanish sausage made primarily using pork cuts. The ingredients used to prepare it vary, with most of them including intestines – just like traditional sausages. 

Thus when it comes to ingredients, many Spanish/Portuguese meal lovers have often asked, “is Chorizo made from lymph nodes?”

Yes, Chorizo is sometimes made using lymph nodes and other pork meat cuts. It’s famous for being high in protein, minerals, and low-fat levels (despite being pork meat!!). Lymph nodes are also used in chorizo because they help improve its structure. 

Is Chorizo Made From Lymph Nodes?

Yes, lymph nodes are a vital ingredient in chorizo. However, not all brand companies or chorizo lovers make theirs using the lymph nodes. Usually, the products required to produce lymph nodes vary depending on your preferences. 

So, what are lymph nodes?

Its bean-shaped structure plays a significant role in the body’s immune functions. They play the role of filtering substances that flows in the lymphatic fluid, and they also contain white blood cells.

The main product used to prepare Chorizo is pig meat. However, the specific meat type used in this process varies depending on the preparation process.

Chorizo can also come from various other parts of pig meat. This underscores a critical perspective on whether the lymph nodes are used in this process. Determining the type of meat used in the chorizo preparation process is essential. 

Doing this helps improve your understanding of the specific beef type for the preparation process. Many people and brands today also prepare chorizos as a living. 

Usually, commercial makers utilize lymph nodes in this process. However, there are other Chorizo preparation methods that often relate to the specific preferences of the individual.

What Part is Chorizo Made From?

Chorizo comes from different cuts of pork, which is similar to sausages. There are no specific rules about the parts that are applicable for preparing chorizo. It all relates to the place where you source the product (Mexican or Spanish Chorizo), and the curing process. But the most common are pork salivary glands and lymph nodes.

The other common pork parts that you can find in Chorizo include the shoulder or even the cheek. However, when you buy the commercially produced types, you will come across various other pork parts. Aside from lymph nodes, they can include parts like the salivary glands or the pork butt.

The maker of the Chorizo sausage that you prefer has a crucial role in its food content. In some cases, some people also have to avoid consuming meats made using lymph nodes. 

Why is Chorizo Made From Lymph Nodes?

Here are a few reasons why most brands make Chorizo using Lymph nodes:

Reason #1. It’s Unique

Using lymph nodes makes Chorizo unique from the other meat types you might find on the market. The unique meat content of Chorizo makes it easy to prepare high-quality meat cuts – perfect for sausages. 

Reason #2. Easy to Find

Lymph node meat is also easier to find than other meat cuts, which can cost more. Different animals, such as pigs and sheep, are also familiar meat sources. Thus, this makes lymph nodes popular among people who want to prepare Chorizos. 

Pros and Cons of Making Chorizo from Lymph Nodes

There are various pros and cons of preparing Chorizo using lymph nodes which can include: 

Pros

• Chorizo contains large amounts of healthy protein.
• It also contains a generous amount of zinc and selenium.
• The lymph node meat cuts complement well with other chorizo ingredients.
• Lymph node meat is also easy to season and preserve for long periods.
• The fat content in Chorizo meat is also healthy.

Cons 

• Preparing the meat for chorizos requires ample time.

How to Prepare Chorizos Recipe – Lymph Nodes Included 

Here is an in-depth recipe for preparing chorizos:

Ingredients

• Ten pounds of pork butt and 5 pounds of lymph nodes (remove the bones).
• ¼ cup salt to help add taste.
• Eight freshly chopped peppers.
• Four teaspoons of cardamoms.
• Four teaspoons of paprika.
• Sausage casings. 

Steps 

1. Collect all the ingredients.
2. Break down all the meat using a meat grinder.
3. Place the meat in an amply-sized tub. Add all the ingredients in this setup, one at a time. Start with the salt and spices first.
4. Knead the meat the same way as when preparing the bread. Fry a few meat tablespoons, and taste the meat mixture.
5. Set up the correct attachment on the meat grinder. Then, fill the casings that you cleaned. Set aside at least ⅓ an inch of the unfilled casing on each side. Next, tie these openings on the bottom ends before you can fill them up. 
6. Get a straight pin, and use it to poke all sides of the sausage. Doing this will help improve the drying times of the sausage.
7. Hang the chorizo in a cool environment for up to 14 days as they harden. The meat should be ready to consume once they are solid.

Things to Know About Chorizo

Source: Unsplash.

Just about everyone loves consuming chorizo, right? However, even if you know it’s made from pork meat cuts like lymph nodes, there are still more facts. Here are some of them:

• It’s a majorly a Spanish/Mexican meal. Chorizo mainly features chopped or ground pork meat – common in Mexican and Spanish meals. 
• It’s spicy. Chorizo also typically features meat seasoned with various ingredients. These include paprika, vinegar, cardamoms, ginger, and garlic.
• Available as fully and semi-cooked meats. Chorizo exists in these two forms, and you may have to be careful in choosing the right one.
• You have ingredient freedom. You can choose different ingredients for chorizo other than just pork cuts. But, ensure you go for similar meat cuts to get the correct result. 

PRO TIP! Here is a YouTube Video on Chorizos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

As you have seen, chorizo is certainly made using lymph nodes. However, preparing it using various other meat cuts and blood is possible. Lymph node-based chorizos are also healthy and relate to your preferred preparation method.

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Leah Greenstein

Leah Greenstein is a passionate food blogger who has dedicated her life to sharing her love for cooking with the world. Growing up in a family of foodies, Leah was introduced to the joys of cooking at a very young age. Her mother, a professional chef, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of using high-quality ingredients.

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