Sausage is seasoned ground meat, often pork, beef, or poultry, shaped into links or sold loose, with some varieties made from plant-based ingredients. Its flavor ranges from mild and savory to spicy or smoky, while its texture can be juicy and tender or firm and coarse. Around the world, sausage is grilled, fried, baked, or added to dishes such as stews, soups, pasta, and rice. Sausage-making is an ancient way of preserving meat, and distinctive regional styles remain an important part of many food cultures.