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 pork belly, and the Romans also contributed to the expansion of bacon production throughout Europe. Bacon was one of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas and gained popularity in England in the 1500s.

Different French and Germanic dialects are the source of the word “bacon.”. Old High German “bakkon” eventually gave rise to English “bacoun.”. It’s obvious that bacon has long been adored everywhere!

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.

Nitrates, nitrites, salt, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup are used to cure, preserve, and flavor pork belly. Then, it is gently smoked over low heat for several days over a wood fire. When cooking the bacon, this adds notes of irresistible smoke. At last, it’s cut into slices and wrapped up for all of our bacon-love!

variety of Bacon. There are several types of bacon, but these are the most popular ones: streaky bacon, which is made from pork belly with long fat veins. Most “American-style” bacon is like this one.

Back bacon is made from the pig’s loin in the back. Compared to streaky bacon, it is leaner.

Lean pork loin is also the source of Canadian bacon. Usually, it is sold already sliced.

Turkey bacon: Instead of using pork, turkey meat is used. Turkey flavor is slightly present.

Sliced extremely thin, prosciutto is a dry-cured ham prepared in the Italian manner. Pancetta: An Italian bacon that hasn’t been smoked and is used as a spice. How to Cook Bacon to Perfection. While cooking bacon might seem easy, 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 cold pan and cook them over medium heat, stirring from time to time.

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

Dry off cooked bacon with paper towels. Fun Ways to Eat Bacon: Save the flavorful drippings for cooking. Because of its many uses, bacon is a favorite for: Breakfast (bacon and eggs, pancakes, home fries, you name it!); Burgers and sandwiches (bacon adds flavor and crunch to everything from BLTs to cheeseburgers). Bacon bits add flavor to vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and salads. Bacon makes the ideal topping for pizza and baked potatoes. Dessert: Candied bacon, which is bacon that has been roasted and coated in maple or brown sugar to create a sweet and salty treat, would be great on donuts or cupcakes. You should always consume bacon in moderation. It has a high sodium and saturated fat content, which can be harmful if ingested in excess. There is also evidence connecting certain cancers to the nitrates used to cure bacon.

However, bacon also 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, indulge in bacon in moderation along with lots of veggies.

It’s obvious that bacon has a special 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 watch what you eat in terms of your health. You deserve a delicious bacon breakfast, so go ahead and indulge!