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 bacon is really like and how it's made!

A Synopsis of Bacon's Life History. 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 pig bellies, and the Romans 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 the English word "bacoun.". Bacon has obviously 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. The back, side, or pork loin are the sources of additional bacon cuts. Instead of using pork, turkey or chicken bacon uses cuts from the birds.

Using salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup, the pork belly is cured, preserved, and flavored. After that, it is gently smoked for days at a low heat over a wood fire. As the bacon cooks, this adds smoky notes that are irresistible. At last, it's cut into slices and wrapped up for all of our bacon-love!

variety of Bacon. 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 use