Bacon: The Sizzling Truth About Delicious Bacon Slices

Bacon: The Sizzling Truth About Delicious Bacon Slices

Bacon has always held a special place in the hearts of food lovers. Its crisp texture, tantalizing aroma, and mouth-watering flavour have made it a breakfast staple. But what do we really know about those crispy bacon slices? Dive into this sizzling journey as we explore raw bacon, various bacon recipes, and so much more. By the end, you'll have a renewed admiration for this delicious bacon staple.

The History of Bacon: A Journey from Pork Belly to Your Plate

From ancient China, where the art of making bacon from pork belly began, to the Roman era and onto the tables of Anglo-Saxons, bacon's journey is nothing short of legendary. Its history is as rich as its flavour, with every civilization adding its own twist to bacon recipes.

Types of Bacon: Every Slice Tells a Story

  1. Streaky Bacon: These are the fatty strips of bacon we often see sizzling in pans. It’s made from pork belly and is renowned for its crispy outcome.
  2. Back Bacon: This comes from the loin in the middle of the back of the pig, hence sometimes called middle bacon. It's leaner than its streaky counterpart.
  3. Canadian Bacon: Lean, and taken from the loin. It often resembles ham more than the crispy bacon strips we love.
  4. Slab Bacon: A bulkier version, it is raw bacon in its most wholesome form, which can be cut into desired pieces of bacon.
  5. Salt Pork: Not exactly bacon, but close. This is the salted version of pork belly, minus the smoky flavour of bacon.

Crispy Bacon Recipes: Elevate Your Culinary Game

Bacon's versatility shines brighter when incorporated into diverse dishes:

  • Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: A mix of tender asparagus with crispy bacon slices.
  • Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Salad: Fresh sprouts tossed with pieces of bacon for a delightful crunch.
  • Slab Bacon Risotto: A creamy rice dish enriched with delicious chunks of bacon.

For the best crispy bacon, always place your bacon slices on a paper towel after frying. This ensures you get rid of any excess oil, maintaining the crunch we all love.

Bacon Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

  1. Bacon is Just Fat: Look at those strips of bacon again! They offer protein and essential nutrients, making it more than just a greasy delight.
  2. All Bacon is Cured with Harmful Chemicals: With the rising trend of nitrate-free bacon, this is clearly not the case anymore.

Buying the Best Bacon: Insider Tips

When shopping:

  1. Check the Label: Especially when buying raw bacon, opt for branded versions, such as Gilly's.
  2. Thickness Matters: Whether you want thick slab bacon or thin crispy bacon slices, your choice will dictate the outcome of your bacon recipes.

Conclusion: The World Beyond Just Strips of Bacon

From raw bacon to the crispiest slices, the realm of bacon is vast and varied. Each type, whether it’s slab bacon or the classic strips of bacon, has its unique charm. As you savour your next piece of delicious bacon, think of its rich heritage and its incredible journey from the pork belly to your plate.