What is the origin of the word bacon?
The word bacon traces back to the Proto-Germanic root meaning pork. Before the Industrial Revolution, Middle English used terms like bakon or baken to refer to all pork in general rather than a specific cut.
Questions about Bacon
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How was bacon cured before modern refrigeration became widespread?
Bacon is cured through either wet curing where it is injected with or soaked in brine, or dry curing where salt is rubbed directly onto the flesh. Cured bacon may then be dried for weeks or months in cold air before being smoked or boiled.
When did John Harris open the first commercial bacon processing plant?
John Harris opened the world's first commercial bacon processing plant in Calne, Wiltshire during the 1770s. Before this industrial shift, bacon was generally produced on local farms and within domestic kitchens.
Why does the World Health Organization warn about eating processed meats?
The World Health Organization stated in 2015 that regular consumption of processed meats increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancers by eighteen percent. Studies consistently link processed meat consumption to increased mortality and risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
What are the differences between side bacon and back bacon cuts?
Side bacon comes from the pork belly and features long alternating layers of fat and muscle running parallel to the rind. Back bacon contains meat from the loin and belly in the middle of the pig and is leaner than side bacon.