A Guide to Everyone's Favorite Pork Product: What is Bacon?
One of the most popular foods in many different cultures and cuisines is bacon. Since ancient times, this savory and salty pork product has been a breakfast mainstay, appearing on pizza, salads, sandwiches, and more. But let's find out what bacon is really like and how it's made!
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. Pork belly curing has been done for thousands of years, though the exact origins of bacon are unknown. Bacon production spread throughout Europe during the Roman era, and as early as 1500 BC, the Chinese were curing pig bellies. One of the first meats imported to the Americas by European settlers, bacon gained popularity in England in the 1500s.
There are several Germanic and French dialects that give rise to the term "bacon.". Eventually, the Old High German word "bakkon" became the English word "bacoun.". It is evident that bacon has long been a global favorite!
What Makes Bacon: The foundation of traditional bacon is the fatty underbelly of the pig, known as the pork belly, which contains a mottled mixture of fat and meat. The back, side, or pork loin are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Bird parts are used in place of pork in turkey or chicken bacon.
Nitrates, nitrites, salt, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup are used to cure, preserve, and flavor pork belly. After that, it is gently smoked over low heat for several days over a wood fire. As the bacon cooks, this gives it an irresistible smoky flavor. It's finally sliced and packaged for our bacon-loving enjoyment!
Many Bacon types. Not all bacons are made equal! Here are a few of the most popular types: Streaky bacon: Made from pork belly with long fat veins. This is the bacon that is most commonly prepared "American-style.".
Bacon from the back of the pig, specifically from the loin. Compared to streaky bacon, it's leaner.
Lean pork loin is also the source of Canadian bacon. Usually, it is offered
One of the most popular foods in many different cultures and cuisines is bacon. Since ancient times, this savory and salty pork product has been a breakfast mainstay, appearing on pizza, salads, sandwiches, and more. But let's find out what bacon is really like and how it's made!
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. Pork belly curing has been done for thousands of years, though the exact origins of bacon are unknown. Bacon production spread throughout Europe during the Roman era, and as early as 1500 BC, the Chinese were curing pig bellies. One of the first meats imported to the Americas by European settlers, bacon gained popularity in England in the 1500s.
There are several Germanic and French dialects that give rise to the term "bacon.". Eventually, the Old High German word "bakkon" became the English word "bacoun.". It is evident that bacon has long been a global favorite!
What Makes Bacon: The foundation of traditional bacon is the fatty underbelly of the pig, known as the pork belly, which contains a mottled mixture of fat and meat. The back, side, or pork loin are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Bird parts are used in place of pork in turkey or chicken bacon.
Nitrates, nitrites, salt, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup are used to cure, preserve, and flavor pork belly. After that, it is gently smoked over low heat for several days over a wood fire. As the bacon cooks, this gives it an irresistible smoky flavor. It's finally sliced and packaged for our bacon-loving enjoyment!
Many Bacon types. Not all bacons are made equal! Here are a few of the most popular types: Streaky bacon: Made from pork belly with long fat veins. This is the bacon that is most commonly prepared "American-style.".
Bacon from the back of the pig, specifically from the loin. Compared to streaky bacon, it's leaner.
Lean pork loin is also the source of Canadian bacon. Usually, it is offered