Bacon is a cured meat product obtained from pig. Curing is a method of food preservation of meat by using salt in brine or dry packing. Curing also helps in adding flavor to the meat.
Usually regarded as the pork belly, bacon is very popular in the United States. However, it also prepared for several other cuts of meat, where there is less fat compared to the belly. The pork belly style has made bacon very famous which often called as the American style.
Bacon meat can be consumed in many ways. It can be smoked, grilled, boiled or baked. It is also used as a condiment to flavor dishes. Bacon is distinguished from pork and ham by the method of dry packing and curing. Unlike the two, bacon is not usually treated with sugar. In many popular cultures, meat from various other animals such as beef, lamb, chicken and goat is also called bacon. Bacon along with egg is a very popular breakfast meal.
Types
Different types of bacon are classified depending on the kind of meat cut from the pig and the curing methods implied.
Pancetta: Italian-style bacon treated with peppercorns, cloves and salt. It is packaged like a roll similar to that of a sausage.
Irish Bacon: Meat cut from the eye of the pork loin. It is cured by smoking.
Canadian bacon: Cut from the pork loin to the back of the pig. Since it doesn’t have meat near the belly, it has fewer calories.
American-style bacon: Very popular variety. Cut from the belly of the pig. It is cured in salt and later smoked. It has a streaky texture and contains a lot of fat.
Nutritional Value
1. The bacon from the pig belly contains a lot of fat. It is a very high calorie food.
2. There have been studies that suggested a possibility of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by eating cured meat.
3.Pork protein helps in maintaining the energy levels of the body.
4.Bacon contains choline, an essential nutrient that helps to increase memory.
Did you know?
September 3rd is celebrated as International Bacon Day.
Bacon is believed to cure hangovers.
Bacon and eggs are cooked together 71% of the time.