Important Bacon Facts*
Origin: The word "bacon" originated from the Middle English term "bacoun," which referred to all pork in general.
Ancient Roots: The Chinese began curing pork belly with salt, creating an early form of bacon over 3,000 years ago.
Roman Delicacy: The Romans had a dish called "petaso," which was very similar to bacon, made from pig shoulder boiled with dried figs and served with wine.
Global Popularity: Bacon is enjoyed in various forms around the world, from the United States and Canada to Europe and Asia.
Nutritional Content: Bacon is high in protein and B vitamins, particularly B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12.
Varieties: There are several types of bacon, including side bacon, back bacon, cottage bacon, and jowl bacon, each coming from different cuts of the pig.
Smoking Methods: Bacon is often smoked using various types of wood, such as hickory, applewood, mesquite, or oak, which imparts different flavors.
International Bacon Day: The Saturday before Labor Day in the United States is known as International Bacon Day.
Preservation: Historically, bacon was a key food for seafarers and explorers because of its long shelf life when cured and smoked.
Bacon Grease Uses: In the past, bacon grease was commonly used for cooking, lighting lamps, making soap, and even as a base for gunpowder.
"Bacon Mania": In the United States, there was a surge in bacon's popularity in the 2000s, leading to the term "bacon mania" and the introduction of unusual bacon-related products.
Health Considerations: While tasty, bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can be a health concern if consumed in large quantities.
World Record: The world's longest piece of bacon measured 75 feet and 2 inches, cooked in December 2016 by Sugardale Foods.
Elvis Presley's Favorite Sandwich: Elvis Presley famously loved a sandwich known as the "Fool's Gold Loaf," consisting of a hollowed-out loaf filled with peanut butter, jelly, and a pound of bacon.
Bacon in Space: In 2013, bacon was sent to the International Space Station as part of the astronauts' food supply.
Bacon Festivals: Numerous bacon festivals are held worldwide, celebrating all things bacon with dishes, contests, and art.
Bacon in Cocktails: Bacon has been used in cocktails, either as a garnish or infused into the liquor itself.
Artistic Medium: Artists have used bacon in various ways, from creating sculptures and portraits to fashioning clothing items.
First Commercial Sliced Bacon: In 1924, Oscar Mayer introduced the first pre-sliced, packaged bacon.
Guinness Record for Eating: The record for the most bacon eaten in one minute is 182 grams, set by Takeru Kobayashi in 2018.
Bacon as Currency: In some early cultures, bacon was used as a form of currency and a sign of wealth.
Bacon in Literature: Bacon is mentioned in "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, highlighting its long-standing presence in English cuisine.
Wild Boar to Domestic Pig: The domestication of wild boar for food, including bacon production, dates back to around 4900 BC.
Bacon and Beer: In some regions, bacon is traditionally paired with beer, considered a perfect combination due to the contrasting flavors.
Bacon Ice Cream: Bacon has even made its way into desserts, with bacon ice cream becoming a novel and trendy treat.
Bacon Benefits*
Matchmaking Magic: Eating bacon might not guarantee a soulmate, but it certainly increases your chances of bonding with fellow bacon lovers.
Self-Defense: Keeping a steady diet of bacon ensures that you're always prepared with a snack that doubles as a distraction technique in case of unexpected encounters with vegetarians.
Economic Stimulus: By eating more bacon, you're supporting local bacon producers, butchers, and the global pursuit of happiness.
Culinary Camouflage: Bacon is the perfect disguise for almost any vegetable, making it the ideal tool for tricking your taste buds into healthy eating.
Morning Alarm Clock: The aroma of sizzling bacon is a more effective and much more pleasant wake-up call than the loudest alarm clock.
Bacon-Infused Wisdom: They say wisdom comes with age, but why wait? Fast track to enlightenment with every crispy bite.
Portable Happiness: Bacon is like edible joy that fits in your pocket. Just make sure it's wrapped first.
Taste Bud Training: Regular consumption of bacon is an excellent exercise for your taste buds, keeping them in peak condition for flavor appreciation.
Stress Relief: In a world full of uncertainties, the predictable pleasure of bacon offers a comforting sense of reliability.
Historical Connection: Every slice of bacon is a bite of history, connecting you to thousands of years of culinary tradition.
Fashion Statement: With bacon, you're always on trend. It's the universal symbol of good taste, both metaphorically and literally.
Instant Mood Enhancer: Bacon has an uncanny ability to turn frowns upside down. It's like happiness you can eat!
Celebrity Endorsement: If bacon had a LinkedIn profile, it would have endorsements from every breakfast food known to humankind.
Networking Tool: Sharing bacon is a fantastic icebreaker. It's the unofficial currency of friendship and camaraderie.
*In no way have any of these statements been approved by the FDA, the Heart Association…or anybody for that matter. Please eat bacon responsibly.