Pigs available!

[aris]

They probably split due to the fact that they have added water, and you're cooking them too quickly. My wife likes the Tesco's finest pork & Apple a fair bit (she says mine aren't as good) - and cooks them in the oven. They never split.

[sausagemaker]

Hi Tobyb

I have to agree with Aris on this the pork & apple splitting is more than likely due to too high a heat in the grill, try turning it down and turn the sausage frequently, Splitting can also occur if there is too much water which turns to steam then spilt's the casing.
As for the pork & Leek dried leeks are preferred due to the availability problems that would occur if fresh was to be used. Also the shelf life would as you say be limited due to the water content of the leeks leaching out into the product,however if the taste is bitter then this should have be addressed at the seasoning house by the addition of some sweetness.

Hope this helps

Regards
Sausagemaker