Your Guide to Bacon

Bacon, a delectable food item cherished by countless people worldwide, is more than just a basic ingredient. Numerous factors, including the pig breed, meat cut, curing techniques, and cooking methods, can impact the taste and excellence of Bacon. As a result, Bacon’s intricate journey from pig to plate involves various stages that ultimately determine its flavour profile and overall quality. 

We love Bacon at Meatigo. And we also understand that our customers love it too in every meal. So in this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Bacon, from its history and cultural significance to its nutritional value and various cooking techniques.

A Little Bit of History

Bacon has a long and fascinating history that dates back centuries. While many people associate Bacon with breakfast, the origins of this delicious meat go much further back in time.

Here is the timeline of the origin and history of Bacon

• The origins of Bacon can be traced back to ancient civilizations, the Chinese, were the first to produce salted pork belly around 1500 BC.
• There is speculation that Romans and Greeks learned Bacon’s production and curing through conquests in the Middle East.
• Romans are believed to have introduced Bacon to Europe around 400 BC.
• The word “Bacon” itself comes from the Old High German word “Bakko,” which means “back,” referring to the cut of meat used to make Bacon. 
• By the 16th century, Bacon had become a highly valued commodity and was even used as a currency in some areas.

Today, Bacon is enjoyed in many different ways and has become a cultural icon in many parts of the world. 

Different Types of Bacon

There are several types of Bacon, each with its own unique flavour and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:

• American Bacon: Also known as Streaky Bacon. It is made from Pork belly and is typically cut into long, thin strips.
• Canadian Bacon: This Bacon is made from Pork Loin & is leaner than American Bacon. It is typically round or oval in shape.
• Irish Bacon: Also known as back Bacon, Irish bacon is made from Pork Loin and is typically sold in a round or square shape. It has a leaner texture.
• Pancetta: This Italian Bacon is made from Pork belly and is cured with salt and spices such as garlic, pepper, and nutmeg. It is typically rolled and sliced thin.
• Guanciale: This Italian bacon is made from pork jowl and is cured with salt and spices

These are just a few of the many types of bacon available. Each type has its own unique flavour & texture and can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavour and depth.

Bacon vs Pork Belly

It’s natural to confuse Pork Bacon with its parent cut, Pork Belly. Both delicious cuts of Pork are sourced from the pig’s abdominal area but are not the same.

Bacon	Pork Belly
Cured and smoked pork belly slices	Uncured and unsmoked fatty belly of a pig
Crispy and chewy when cooked	Tender and moist when cooked
Often used as a breakfast or sandwich meat	Often used in slow-cooking recipes, such as braised pork belly or pork belly burnt ends
High in sodium and fat; lower in protein	High in fat, calories, and protein

 

High-Quality Bacon Vs Subpar Bacon

The quality of Bacon can depend on several factors. Let’s take a look at the most important aspects of good Bacon and bad Bacon so that you can make an informed decision while buying Bacon.

 

• Meat quality: Premium Bacon is made from high-quality Pork that has been raised humanely and fed a healthy diet. Bad Bacon is made from lower-quality Pork that has been raised in cramped or unsanitary conditions and may contain fillers or additives
• Curing process: Great Bacon is cured using natural ingredients like salt, sugar, and spices, & allowed to age slowly for a rich flavour. Bad Bacon may be cured using artificial preservatives or shortcuts that don’t allow the meat to develop a complex flavour.
• Smoking process: Good Bacon is smoked using traditional methods like wood chips or sawdust, which give it a rich, smoky flavour. Bad Bacon may be smoked using liquid smoke or other artificial flavourings that don’t provide the same depth of flavour.

Bacon we offer to you at Meatigo is sourced from the best farm in India and Abroad. It is made with premium Pork Belly that has been organically smoked and meticulously preserved to preserve flavour. Now you know, where to buy the best Bacon online!

Our Favourite Bacon Recipes

Let’s agree on the fact that one can’t get enough of Bacon. It makes everything better. Bacon alone is delicious, no doubt. But it is a great addition to many dishes. Here are our favourite Bacon recipes. 

1. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole: This breakfast casserole is a great way to feed a crowd, and it’s easy to customize with your favourite ingredients. It typically includes Breakfast Bacon, Eggs, Cheese, and bread, all baked together in a savoury, satisfying dish.
2. Fried Rice Cooked in Bacon Cubes- A simple addition of Bacon Cubes to your fried rice can do wonders for your taste buds. 
3. Bacon-wrapped asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears wrapped in Streaky Bacon, then grilled or roasted until tender and delicious
4. BLT sandwich: A classic sandwich made with our Prime Bacon, lettuce, and tomato, served on toasted bread with mayonnaise.
5. Bacon Mac and Cheese: This dish combines two ultimate comfort foods into one. Creamy mac and cheese is topped with crispy bacon bits. It’s a favourite for kids and adults alike.

These are some of our favourite recipes you can whip up and amp up with Bacon. But when it comes to Bacon, remember, the sky is the limit. 

Why trust Meatigo for delivering the best Bacon in town? 

Although there are many options you can buy Bacon from in India, what makes Meatigo the best?

• 35+ Years of expertise in the business
• Authentic recipes. No shortcuts
• Only the best quality meat, sourced from the best farms in India & abroad
• Beechwood Smoked in-house, made from prime cuts of English Yorkshire Pork, ideal fat-to-meat ratio
• All the Bacon varieties in one place- Breakfast Bacon, Streaky Bacon, Smoked Bacon Cubes, Chicken Breakfast Bacon, and Prime Bacon.
•  If you love all things Bacon, you are in for a treat because we have curated Combos for you.

Pro Tip- How to Store Bacon for Later

Want to store your Bacon for later? To ensure that individual strips of Bacon do not freeze and stick together, roll up your slices of Bacon and put them in an air-tight container. This way you can use your Bacon as required, take a roll out of your freezer and it’s ready to fry.

Bacon is a beloved food since its origin to the date across the world. It has gained popularity because of its versatility and taste. In this Bacon guide, we have covered all the major points to help you use and make informed decisions about Bacon. Now that you have all the information you need, it is time to eat better meat with Meatigo & Bacon because Bacon makes everything better.