NATIONAL BACON LOVERS DAY
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NATIONAL BACON LOVERS DAY
August 20 is National Bacon Lovers Day on the National Day Calendar. Today we pay tribute to the crispy, chewy, and mouthwatering food we call bacon! If you're a fan of smoky, savory, and a bit salty flavor, this food holiday is for you!
#NationalBaconLoversDay
The history of bacon is rich and long and dates as far back as 1500 B.C. Records show the Ancient Chinese enjoyed cured pork belly and other records indicate Romans used it in religious rituals to pay respect to the agricultural gods. However, it wasn't until the 16th century that the term "bacon" first popped up as any cut of pork. Over time, bacon became synonymous with cured pork belly and is what we are familiar with today.
In technical terms, bacon is a type of salt-cured pork with a distinct salty and savory flavor. It comes from the pork belly of a pig and is often high in fat. However, the fat content adds to the flavor and crisp texture of bacon during the cooking process. As a versatile food, bacon is used in breakfast, salads, sandwiches and desserts.
5 Bacon Bits
Scientists consider bacon as one of the most pleasing food scents.
The U.S. and Canada saw a surge in bacon consumption in the 2000s, prompting bacon to be included in recipes outside of breakfast.
Bacon is a versatile ingredient found in many dishes, often taking on a different flavor for both savory and sweet depending on the dish.
Civilians were encouraged to save their bacon grease and donate it to the military during WWII. The fat was apparently rendered and used as a key component to produce bombs and gunpowder.
Bacon has many alternatives, including turkey bacon and plant-based bacon, that are processed to resemble the taste and texture of traditional pork bacon.
Did you know? The phrase "bring home the bacon" originated in Great Dunmow, England, during the 12th century? It's true! Apparently a church offered a side of bacon to any married man who could refrain from arguing with his wife for an entire year. Those who could "bring home the bacon" were highly respected for their ability to not bicker with their wife...especially for an entire year!
SIZZLING IDEAS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL BACON LOVERS DAY
National Bacon Day is all about, you guess it, BACON! Bacon and eggs. Bacon ranch dip. Bacon sandwiches. Bacon wraps. Maybe chocolate covered bacon, too! Consider experimenting with bacon in every meal you cook today. Better yet, host a bacon potluck. Ask everyone to bring their favorite bacon-inspired dish with a recipe card attached to share new bacon-infused ideas!
Share your bacon creations and celebrations on social media using the hashtag #NationalBaconLoversDay to connect with other bacon lovers!
HISTORY BEHIND NATIONAL BACON LOVERS DAY
Despite the fact that bacon has been a staple in our diets for thousands of years, National Bacon Lovers Day has only been around since around 2015. We don't know who the actual creator is, but thanks to the Internet and social media, this food holiday is celebrated with tasty enthusiasm each year on August 20.