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. For centuries, people have used this savory and salty pork product as a mainstay for breakfast, adding it to a variety of dishes such as pizza, salads, and sandwiches. But let's find out what bacon is really like and how it's made!
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. Although the exact origin of bacon is unknown, the process of curing pork belly has been done for thousands of years. Bacon was first produced in Europe by the Romans, who also assisted the Chinese in curing their pig bellies as early as 1500 BC. One of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas was bacon, which rose to popularity in England in the 1500s.
There are several Germanic and French dialects that give rise to the term "bacon.". Old High German "bakkon" eventually gave rise to English "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. Side, back, and pork loin cuts are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Bird parts are used in place of pork in turkey or chicken bacon.
Salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup are used to cure, preserve, and flavor pork belly. After that, it is gently smoked for days at a low heat over a wood fire. When cooking the bacon, this adds notes of irresistible smoke. It is then packaged and sliced for all of our bacon-loving delights!
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.".
Back bacon is made from the loin located at the back of the pig. Compared to streaky bacon, it is leaner.
One of the most popular foods in many different cultures and cuisines is bacon. For centuries, people have used this savory and salty pork product as a mainstay for breakfast, adding it to a variety of dishes such as pizza, salads, and sandwiches. But let's find out what bacon is really like and how it's made!
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. Although the exact origin of bacon is unknown, the process of curing pork belly has been done for thousands of years. Bacon was first produced in Europe by the Romans, who also assisted the Chinese in curing their pig bellies as early as 1500 BC. One of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas was bacon, which rose to popularity in England in the 1500s.
There are several Germanic and French dialects that give rise to the term "bacon.". Old High German "bakkon" eventually gave rise to English "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. Side, back, and pork loin cuts are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Bird parts are used in place of pork in turkey or chicken bacon.
Salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup are used to cure, preserve, and flavor pork belly. After that, it is gently smoked for days at a low heat over a wood fire. When cooking the bacon, this adds notes of irresistible smoke. It is then packaged and sliced for all of our bacon-loving delights!
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.".
Back bacon is made from the loin located at the back of the pig. Compared to streaky bacon, it is leaner.