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 is bacon really like, and how is it made?

An Overview of Bacon‘s Past. The art of curing pork belly goes back thousands of years, though it’s difficult to say exactly when bacon originated. As early as 1500 BC, the Chinese were curing their pig bellies, and the Romans contributed to the expansion of bacon production throughout Europe. One of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas was bacon, which rose to popularity in England in the 1500s.

Various Germanic and French dialects are the source of the term “bacon.”. English “bacoun” eventually evolved from Old High German “bakkon.”. It is evident that bacon has long been a global favorite!

What Makes Bacon? Traditionally, bacon is made from the fatty underside of pigs, known as the pork belly, which contains a mixture of fat and meat that varies in color. Additional bacon cuts are from the side, back, or pig loin. Instead of using pork, turkey or chicken bacon uses cuts from the birds.

Curing, preserving, and flavoring pork belly involves the use of salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup. Subsequently, it is gently smoked over a low heat for several days over wood. As the bacon cooks, this adds smoky notes that are irresistible. It’s finally sliced and packaged for our bacon-loving enjoyment!

Bacon types. These are some of the most popular types of bacon; not all bacons are made equal. Streaky bacon is made from pork belly with long fat veins. This bacon is most commonly prepared “American-style.”.

Bacon from the back of the pig, specifically from the loin. It’s not as fat as streaky bacon.

Moreover derived from lean pork loin is Canadian bacon. Usually, it comes pre-sliced.

Turkey bacon is made with turkey meat instead of pork. There’s a faint taste of turkey.

Thinly sliced dry-cured ham in the Italian style is called prosciutto. Italian bacon without smoke, or pancetta, is used as a seasoning. How to Cook Bacon to Flavor. Although it may seem easy to cook bacon, there are a few tricks and tips you can use to get the best results. Pan-frying is a classic method that lets you cook bacon to the exact crispiness you want. Place the strips in a chilled pan and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat.

Bake: Arrange the strips on a baking sheet covered with foil, and bake for 10 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Microwave: Fast, but may cause uneven cooking. Less splatter. In 30-second intervals, place the strips between paper towels and the microwave.

On paper towels, let the cooked bacon drain. Interesting Ways to Eat Bacon: Reserve the tasty drippings for cooking. Owing to its versatility, bacon is a favorite in burgers and sandwiches (from cheeseburgers to BLTs), breakfast dishes (bacon and eggs, pancakes, you name it), and home fries. Brussels sprouts and salads: Bacon bits add flavor to vegetables. Bacon is the ideal topping for pizza and baked potatoes. Desserts – How about maple bacon on donuts or cupcakes? Sounds delicious! Candied bacon – Roasted and coated in maple or brown sugar, this dish combines sweetness and saltiness. You should always consume bacon in moderation. Because of its high sodium and saturated fat content, overconsumption may pose health risks. Certain cancers have also been connected to the nitrates used to cure bacon.

Nevertheless, bacon contains zinc, B vitamins, and protein. To lower nitrates, choose turkey or uncured bacon; alternatively, go for center-cut bacon, which has less fat. As part of a balanced diet, enjoy bacon in moderation and lots of veggies.

It’s obvious that bacon has a particular place on our plates and in our hearts. Knowing the ingredients and preparation methods lets you select your favorite method of consuming this famous dish. Just be aware of serving sizes in terms of your health. So go ahead and indulge in a mouthwatering bacon breakfast!