All cultures and cuisines agree that bacon is one of their favorite foods. For centuries, people have used this savory and salty pork product as a mainstay for breakfast, adding it to a variety of dishes such as salads, sandwiches, and pizza. But let's find out: what is bacon really like, and how is it made?

A Synopsis of Bacon's Life History. Though the exact origin of bacon is unknown, the process of curing pork belly has been around for thousands of years. As early as 1500 BC, the Chinese were curing their pig bellies, and the Romans contributed to the expansion of bacon production throughout Europe. One of the first meats that European settlers brought to the Americas was bacon, which rose to popularity in England in the 1500s.

Various Germanic and French dialects are the source of the term "bacon.". English "bacoun" eventually evolved from Old High German "bakkon.". Bacon has obviously long been a global favorite!

What Makes Bacon: The foundation of traditional bacon is the fatty underbelly of the pig, known as the pork belly, which contains a mottled mixture of fat and meat. Additional cuts of bacon are obtained from the back, side, or hog loin. Bird parts are used in place of pork in turkey or chicken bacon.

Curing, preserving, and flavoring pork belly involves the use of salt, nitrates, nitrites, and occasionally sugar or maple syrup. After that, it is gently smoked for days at a low heat over a wood fire. When cooking the bacon, this adds notes of irresistible smoke. At last, it's cut into slices and wrapped up for all of our bacon-love!

Many Bacon types. Not all bacons are made equal! Here are a few of the most popular types: Streaky bacon: Made from pork belly with long fat veins. Most "American-style" bacon is like this one.

Back bacon is made from the loin located at the back of the pig. It's not as fat as streaky bacon.

Lean pork loin is also used to make Canadian bacon. Usually, it is sold already sliced.

Using turkey meat instead of pork results in turkey bacon. There's a faint taste of turkey.

Sliced extremely thin, prosciutto is a dry-cured ham prepared in the Italian manner. Italian bacon without smoke, or pancetta, is used as a seasoning. The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Bacon. While cooking bacon might seem easy, there are a few tricks and tips you can use to get the best results. Pan-frying is a classic method that lets you cook bacon to the exact crispiness you want. Place the strips in a cold pan and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat.

Bake: Arrange the strips on a baking sheet covered with foil, and bake for 10 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Less spatter! Microwave: Fast, but may cause uneven cooking. In 30-second increments, place the strips between paper towels and the microwave.

On paper towels, let the cooked bacon drain. Try these creative ways to eat bacon and save the flavorful drippings for cooking. Because of its many uses, bacon is a favorite for: Breakfast (bacon and eggs, pancakes, home fries, you name it!); Burgers and sandwiches (bacon adds flavor and crunch to everything from BLTs to cheeseburgers). Bacon bits add flavor to vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and salads. Bacon makes the ideal topping for baked potatoes and pizza. Dessert: Candied bacon, which is bacon that has been roasted and coated in maple or brown sugar to create a sweet and salty treat, would be great on donuts or cupcakes. Moderation is key when it comes to bacon, so is it good for you? It has a high sodium and saturated fat content, which can be harmful if ingested in excess. Certain malignancies have also been connected to the nitrates used to cure bacon.

But bacon does contain zinc, B vitamins, and protein. To lower nitrates, choose center-cut bacon, which has less fat, or look for uncured or turkey bacon. As part of a balanced diet, enjoy bacon in moderation and lots of veggies.

Of course, we have a particular place on our plates and in our hearts for bacon. It is possible to select your favorite method of consuming this famous dish by being aware of its preparation and varieties. Just be aware of the servings in terms of your health. So go ahead and reward yourself with a mouthwatering bacon breakfast!