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 is bacon really like, and how is it made?
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. The art of curing pork belly goes back thousands of years, though it's difficult to say exactly when bacon originated. Bacon production spread throughout Europe during the Roman era, and as early as 1500 BC, the Chinese were curing pig bellies. Bacon was one of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas and gained 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? 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. 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 over low heat for several days over a wood fire. When cooking the bacon, this adds notes of irresistible smoke. It's finally cut into slices and packaged for all of our bacon-loving delights!
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. Most "American-style" bacon is like this one.
Back bacon is made from the loin located at the back of the pig. Compared to streaky bacon, it's leaner.
Lean pork loin is another sourc
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 is bacon really like, and how is it made?
A Synopsis of Bacon's History. The art of curing pork belly goes back thousands of years, though it's difficult to say exactly when bacon originated. Bacon production spread throughout Europe during the Roman era, and as early as 1500 BC, the Chinese were curing pig bellies. Bacon was one of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas and gained 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? 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. 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 over low heat for several days over a wood fire. When cooking the bacon, this adds notes of irresistible smoke. It's finally cut into slices and packaged for all of our bacon-loving delights!
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. Most "American-style" bacon is like this one.
Back bacon is made from the loin located at the back of the pig. Compared to streaky bacon, it's leaner.
Lean pork loin is another sourc