‘Conecuh is life’: Southern Living starts Alabama sausage rivalry with praise for Mississippi Pleasin’

A writer at Southern Living this week may have started a war between Alabama and Mississippi with the bold suggestion that Florence, Miss.’s Pleasin’ Country Pleasin’ Sausage ‘is better than Conecuh’ -- at least in the opinion of Mississippians.

“When I moved to Birmingham, Alabama, from Oxford, Mississippi, I was introduced to Conecuh sausage—a staple beloved by Alabamians, known for its distinct hickory-smoked flavor,” wrote Assistant Digital Food Editor Catherine Jessee. “But in Mississippi, Country Pleasin’ sausage holds a special place in the hearts (and bellies) of its residents.”

To be fair, the writer of the piece never goes as far to say Pleasin’ is better than Conecuh, but a social media post strongly suggests in big, bold letters that it is.

“Country Pleasin’ Sausage, based out of Florence, Mississippi, is also a hickory-smoked pork sausage blend, much like Conecuh,” the article states.

“However its flavor is slightly less strongly smoky, with a freshness and brightness particularly suited for big-pot meals with lots of added flavors and spices like gumbo and jambalaya.”

Of course, Alabamians seeing the statement on social media were quick to come to the defense of Conecuh.

“C’mon now-y’all know nothing is better than Conecuh!” one person wrote. “There’s still time to delete this. Conecuh is life,” another added.

A helpful Mississippi resident even tried to be the voice of reason:

“Yes, Country Pleasin’ is most definitely delicious. But as a Mississippian I wouldn’t say I like it better than Conecuh. I think we use one as much as the other, depending on what’s on the menu.”

And, of course, someone with no hog in the fight had to jump into the fray: “I’ve had both and neither are great. Louisiana smoked sausages way ahead of both of these!”

Although some of us might now be curious about the Pleasin’ sausage to our west, Conecuh is a brand with deep, cherished roots in Alabama.

The legendary sausage is prepared and packaged in the Conecuh County town of Evergreen. You can pick it up in most Alabama grocery stores or head over to The Conecuh Sausage Gift Shop.

“Conecuh Sausage is an Alabama food landmark recognized throughout the Southeast and as far north as the Canadian border,” Gov. Kay Ivey recently said as plans were announced for a $400,000 grant for a second manufacturing plant.