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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. Though the exact origin of bacon is unknown, the process of curing pork belly has been around for thousands of years. 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.

Different French and Germanic dialects are the source of the word "bacon.". Old High German "bakkon" eventually gave rise to the English word "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. The back, side, or pork loin 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 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!

Many 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. Better than streaky bacon, it's leaner.

Lean pork loin is also used to make Canadian bacon. Pre-sliced is how it is usually sold.

Using turkey meat instead of pork results in turkey bacon. There's a faint flavor of turkey.

Prosciutto is very thinly sliced dry-cured ham prepared in the Italian style. Unsmoked Italian bacon, or pancetta, is used as a seasoning. The Perfect Way to Cook Bacon. 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. With an occasional turn, cook the strips over medium heat in a cold pan.

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

On paper towels, let the cooked bacon drain. Fun Ways to Eat Bacon: Reserve 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 baked potatoes and pizza. Desserts: Candied bacon, which is bacon that has been roasted and coated in maple or brown sugar for a sweet and salty treat, is perfect on donuts or cupcakes. You should always consume bacon in moderation. It has a high sodium and saturated fat content, both of which increase health risks when consumed in excess. A few malignancies have also been connected to the nitrates used to preserve bacon.

Nevertheless, bacon provides zinc, B vitamins, and protein. To lower nitrates, look for uncured or turkey bacon; alternatively, choose center-cut bacon, which has less fat. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and moderation in bacon.

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 be aware of the servings in terms of your health. So feel free to reward yourself with a mouthwatering bacon breakfast!