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Where does bacon come from?

Bacon -

The humble bacon has been a breakfast staple for centuries. It is universally beloved for its savoury flavour and versatility in cooking. But where does bacon come from?

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Bacon, at its heart, is pork that has been cured with salt. It originated in Ancient Rome, where it was made from pork bellies known as “petaso”. The pork was salted, smoked, and eaten with other staples of the Roman diet such as bread and cheese. From there, bacon made its way to England in the Middle Ages, where it quickly became a very popular dish.

Today, the most popular type of bacon in the U.K. is 'back bacon'. Back bacon is made from pork, and more specifically, pork loin, which is cut and cured with salt, and sometimes other ingredients, such as sugar and spices. The curing process can take anywhere from a few days, to weeks, depending on the desired flavour profile. In some instances, bacon is also smoked for additional flavouring. After curing and smoking, bacon is typically sliced thin or thick based on consumer preference.

In the modern food industry, bacon is a beloved breakfast item. It can be cooked in a variety of ways and used to make all sorts of dishes. From classic BLTs to trendy breakfast tacos, bacon adds flavour and texture to almost any dish. No matter how it's made or where it comes from, bacon remains an iconic part of the culinary experience. Its delicious flavour and versatility make it a breakfast favourite the world over.

Where does bacon come from on a pig?

There are many different types of bacon, coming from various parts of the pig, as we have previously outlined in our article; "What Different Types of Bacon are There?". These include: back bacon, which comes from the pork loin; streaky bacon, which comes from the pork belly; middle bacon, which comes from the pork middle (the loin and belly as a whole); collar bacon, which comes from the pork shoulder; bacon medallions, which come from the pork loin eye; American bacon, which comes from the pork belly; even lardons, which usually come from the pork belly as well. Turkey bacon is also becoming increasingly popular, as people look for healthier alternatives to pork-based meats. Our turkey bacon is made from 100% whole boneless turkey breast, cured the traditional bacon way, and sliced to specification. It is lower in fat than traditional bacon and has a unique flavour profile of its own.

Here at True Bites, we strive to provide the highest quality bacon for our customers, whether sourcing it from quality suppliers, or producing it ourselves. We take real pride in the traditional methods we use to produce our own dry-cured products and ensure that each batch is cured, and sliced with care. Our commitment to freshness and quality for our customers is something we take very seriously. We believe that bacon is more than just breakfast food – it’s an experience to be savoured and enjoyed.

Written by Matt Rhoades

Matt is our full time tea maker/web designer/delivery driver/butcher/accountant/social media man who you'll often find bickering with Dennis. Our MD with a passion for great meat and great customer service. When he's not at work he'll be creating recipes and probably barbecuing something somewhere, or making bacon jam. He loves it!!

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