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 exactly, and how is it made?
An Overview of Bacon's Past. 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. Bacon was one of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas and gained popularity in England in the 1500s.
Various Germanic and French dialects are the source of the term "bacon.". Eventually, the Old High German word "bakkon" became the English word "bacoun.". It's obvious that bacon has long been adored everywhere!
What Is the Ingredients of Bacon? The foundation of traditional bacon is the pig's fatty belly, which is its mixture of fat and meat. Side, back, and pork loin cuts are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Instead of using pork, turkey or chicken bacon is made from cuts of birds.
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. 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 is the bacon that is most commonly prepared "American-style.".
Back bacon is made from the pig's loin in the back. Compared to streaky bacon, it is leaner.
Lean pork loin is another source of Canadian bacon. Usually, it comes pre-sliced.
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 exactly, and how is it made?
An Overview of Bacon's Past. 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. Bacon was one of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas and gained popularity in England in the 1500s.
Various Germanic and French dialects are the source of the term "bacon.". Eventually, the Old High German word "bakkon" became the English word "bacoun.". It's obvious that bacon has long been adored everywhere!
What Is the Ingredients of Bacon? The foundation of traditional bacon is the pig's fatty belly, which is its mixture of fat and meat. Side, back, and pork loin cuts are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Instead of using pork, turkey or chicken bacon is made from cuts of birds.
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. 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 is the bacon that is most commonly prepared "American-style.".
Back bacon is made from the pig's loin in the back. Compared to streaky bacon, it is leaner.
Lean pork loin is another source of Canadian bacon. Usually, it comes pre-sliced.