Things you didn't know about bacon
"Things you didn't know about bacon"
The Daily Meal
By Kristie Collado
Published October 31, 2014
For many of us, theres nothing like the smell of bacon sizzling away in your kitchen on a Saturday morning. Or a Sunday morning. Or any day, really. Whether you like yours super crispy and served with eggs and toast or maple-glazed and wrapped around your Thanksgiving turkey, if youre a red-blooded American you probably love this salty, cured pork. According to the United States Department of Agricultures Economic Research Service, pork ranks third in U.S. meat consumption (behind beef and chicken); Americans consume about 51 pounds of pork products per person per year. Its estimated that 18 of those pounds is in the form of bacon.
Now that weve established that we love to eat bacon, how much do we actually know about it?
Though there are many types of bacon eaten around the world, the word bacon generally refers to cured pig belly, back, or side, and it often comes from a young animal (a 6- to 7-month-old pig). Bacon that is made from a different animal (which technically isnt bacon at all) or from a different part of the pig requires a specific name like turkey bacon or pork shoulder bacon. The most common pork bacon in the United States is what the British call streaky bacon skinned, cured, and smoked pork side, so named for its distinct red and white striped appearance.
Regardless of where it comes from, bacon is full of smoky, salty flavor. It can be cooked and served as-is, or it can be used to enhance another dish. Chopped bacon can be cooked in a pan and used to flavor sauces, soups, pastas, and more; cooked, crumbled bacon can be added to baked goods like chocolate chip cookies or banana muffins for a savory twist on a classic sweet; and strips of bacon can be wrapped around roasts, vegetables, and fish before theyre cooked. Any way you use it, bacon will add tons of delicious flavor to your cooking; just be sure to adjust the salt in your finished dish since bacon contributes saltiness as well.
Think you know a lot about bacon? Check out these fun bacon facts and see how much you know.
1. National Bacon Day
This unofficial holiday occurs the Saturday before Labor Day in the United States. Bacon-lovers across the country celebrate by eating and drinking bacon and bacon-inspired fare and participating in bacon-inspired activities.
2. Bacon might cure hangovers
This might be the best news ever; British researchers from Newcastle University say that bacon may actually help alleviate hangovers because it contains amino acids that help replace neurotransmitters that become depleted during heavy drinking.
3. You can buy bacon cologne
Cured, smoked pork has inspired a number of crazy products including a bacon-scented cologne. Created in 1920 by a Parisian butcher, this spray combines 11 essential oils with the essence of, you guessed it, bacon.
4. And bacon toothpaste
Looking to shake up your dental hygiene routine? Bacon-flavored toothpaste and dental floss can help you can achieve the perfectly smoky, salt-cured smile youre after.
There's more to learn about bacon than you thought.
More from The Daily Meal
8 Secrets for Cooking Perfect Bacon
http://www.thedailymeal.com/8-secrets-cooking-perfect-bacon
11 Things That Shouldn't Taste Like Bacon, But Do
http://www.thedailymeal.com/11-foods-shouldnt-taste-bacon-do/102813
10 Things to Make with Bacon
http://www.thedailymeal.com/10-things-make-bacon/5914
11 Types of Bacon Not Made from Pigs
http://www.thedailymeal.com/11-types-bacon-not-made-pigs/31314
"Things you didn't know about bacon"
The Daily Meal
By Kristie Collado
Published October 31, 2014
For many of us, theres nothing like the smell of bacon sizzling away in your kitchen on a Saturday morning. Or a Sunday morning. Or any day, really. Whether you like yours super crispy and served with eggs and toast or maple-glazed and wrapped around your Thanksgiving turkey, if youre a red-blooded American you probably love this salty, cured pork. According to the United States Department of Agricultures Economic Research Service, pork ranks third in U.S. meat consumption (behind beef and chicken); Americans consume about 51 pounds of pork products per person per year. Its estimated that 18 of those pounds is in the form of bacon.
Now that weve established that we love to eat bacon, how much do we actually know about it?
Though there are many types of bacon eaten around the world, the word bacon generally refers to cured pig belly, back, or side, and it often comes from a young animal (a 6- to 7-month-old pig). Bacon that is made from a different animal (which technically isnt bacon at all) or from a different part of the pig requires a specific name like turkey bacon or pork shoulder bacon. The most common pork bacon in the United States is what the British call streaky bacon skinned, cured, and smoked pork side, so named for its distinct red and white striped appearance.
Regardless of where it comes from, bacon is full of smoky, salty flavor. It can be cooked and served as-is, or it can be used to enhance another dish. Chopped bacon can be cooked in a pan and used to flavor sauces, soups, pastas, and more; cooked, crumbled bacon can be added to baked goods like chocolate chip cookies or banana muffins for a savory twist on a classic sweet; and strips of bacon can be wrapped around roasts, vegetables, and fish before theyre cooked. Any way you use it, bacon will add tons of delicious flavor to your cooking; just be sure to adjust the salt in your finished dish since bacon contributes saltiness as well.
Think you know a lot about bacon? Check out these fun bacon facts and see how much you know.
1. National Bacon Day
This unofficial holiday occurs the Saturday before Labor Day in the United States. Bacon-lovers across the country celebrate by eating and drinking bacon and bacon-inspired fare and participating in bacon-inspired activities.
2. Bacon might cure hangovers
This might be the best news ever; British researchers from Newcastle University say that bacon may actually help alleviate hangovers because it contains amino acids that help replace neurotransmitters that become depleted during heavy drinking.
3. You can buy bacon cologne
Cured, smoked pork has inspired a number of crazy products including a bacon-scented cologne. Created in 1920 by a Parisian butcher, this spray combines 11 essential oils with the essence of, you guessed it, bacon.
4. And bacon toothpaste
Looking to shake up your dental hygiene routine? Bacon-flavored toothpaste and dental floss can help you can achieve the perfectly smoky, salt-cured smile youre after.
There's more to learn about bacon than you thought.
More from The Daily Meal
8 Secrets for Cooking Perfect Bacon
http://www.thedailymeal.com/8-secrets-cooking-perfect-bacon
11 Things That Shouldn't Taste Like Bacon, But Do
http://www.thedailymeal.com/11-foods-shouldnt-taste-bacon-do/102813
10 Things to Make with Bacon
http://www.thedailymeal.com/10-things-make-bacon/5914
11 Types of Bacon Not Made from Pigs
http://www.thedailymeal.com/11-types-bacon-not-made-pigs/31314