Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that’s enjoyed all over the world. Whether you prefer it crispy or chewy, there’s no denying the deliciousness of a perfectly cooked rasher of bacon.
But have you ever wondered how many rashers of bacon are in a kilo? With so many different types of bacon available, it can be hard to know exactly what you’re getting.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of bacon and how many rashers you can expect to get per kilo. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
How Many Rashers Of Bacon In A Kilo?
The number of rashers of bacon you can expect to get in a kilo varies depending on the type of bacon you’re buying. Here’s a breakdown of some popular types of bacon and how many rashers you can expect to get per kilo:
– Streaky bacon: Streaky bacon is made from pork belly and is known for its high fat content and deliciously crispy texture. On average, you can expect to get around 40-45 rashers per kilo of streaky bacon.
– Middle rasher bacon: Middle rasher bacon includes both the loin muscle and the pork belly in one slice. This type of bacon is often sourced from free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free pigs. You can expect to get around 12-14 slices per kilo of middle rasher bacon.
– Back bacon: Back bacon is made from the loin of the pig and is leaner than streaky bacon. On average, you can expect to get around 10-16 rashers per kilo of back bacon, depending on the size of the loin.
Different Types Of Bacon
Bacon comes in many different types and styles, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some popular types of bacon and what sets them apart:
– Streaky bacon: Streaky bacon, also known as American or side bacon, is the most popular type of bacon. It comes from the fatty part of the pig’s belly and consists of 1 part meat for every 3 parts fat. Streaky bacon is typically sold in long, narrow slices that showcase its pattern of pink juicy meat within white fat. It has a strong flavor and a firm texture, making it ideal for crispy bacon. Streaky bacon is often cured in salt, spices, and smoked with different types of wood chips for extra flavor.
– Middle rasher bacon: Middle rasher bacon includes both the loin muscle and the pork belly in one slice. This type of bacon is often sourced from free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free pigs. It has a leaner texture than streaky bacon and a more subtle flavor. Middle rasher bacon is typically cured in salt and spices but is not usually smoked.
– Back bacon: Back bacon is made from the loin of the pig and is leaner than streaky bacon. It has a mild flavor and a tender texture, making it a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches. Back bacon is typically sold in round slices with a small eye of meat in the center. It is often cured in salt and spices but is not usually smoked.
– Gypsy bacon: Gypsy bacon, also known as szalonna or zigeunerspeck, is a traditional Hungarian and German form of bacon. It is precooked with garlic and paprika spices before smoking and still has its rind intact. Gypsy bacon has a strong smoky flavor and a chewy texture, making it ideal for use in soups, stews, or other traditional dishes.
Each type of bacon has its own unique qualities that make it perfect for different dishes or occasions. Whether you prefer crispy streaky bacon or tender back bacon, there’s a type of bacon out there to suit your tastes.
Weight And Packaging Of Bacon
When it comes to weight and packaging, bacon usually comes in a 12-ounce pack, although the quantity may vary due to factors such as moisture content and weight of meat. Thin cut bacon typically ranges between 28-35 slices per pound and has a thickness of about 0.031 inches. Additionally, bacon is often packaged for sale to consumers in the form of overlapping slices packaged in cardboard containers weighing approximately one pound. However, these packages are not adapted for use in microwave ovens. There are containers suitable for packaging bacon that are adapted to be used in a microwave oven, containing several slices of bacon packaged on top of an absorbing material. Moreover, studies have been conducted to compare the environmental effects of weight reduction and different material composition of packages using life cycle analysis of traditional bacon packages compared to new light-weighted bacon packages. The new light-weighted OLB-board bacon package shows lower environmental burden than the traditional bacon package in most impact indicators, except the mineral extraction indicator. Changing the material of the original bacon package reduces more of the environmental burden of the final bacon package than reducing the weight of the original bacon board material.
Average Number Of Rashers In A Kilo
When purchasing bacon, it’s important to know how many rashers you can expect to get per kilo. The average number of rashers in a kilo of bacon can vary depending on the type of bacon you’re buying. For example, middle rasher bacon typically yields around 12-14 slices per kilo, while back bacon yields around 10-16 rashers per kilo. It’s important to note that the size of the loin can also affect the number of rashers you get per kilo. When purchasing bacon, be sure to check the packaging for information on the number of rashers or slices per kilo to ensure you’re getting the right amount for your needs.
Factors That Affect The Number Of Rashers In A Kilo
There are several factors that can affect the number of rashers you can expect to get in a kilo of bacon. One of the main factors is the type of cut used to make the bacon. As mentioned above, streaky bacon is made from pork belly, which is a fattier cut of meat. This means that you can expect to get more rashers per kilo compared to back bacon, which is made from the leaner loin muscle.
Another factor that can affect the number of rashers in a kilo is the thickness of the slices. Thicker slices will result in fewer rashers per kilo, while thinner slices will result in more rashers per kilo. Additionally, some manufacturers may add water or other additives to their bacon, which can increase the weight but result in fewer rashers per kilo.
It’s also worth noting that the size of the pig can impact the number of rashers you can expect to get in a kilo. Larger pigs may produce larger cuts of meat, which can result in fewer rashers per kilo compared to smaller pigs.
Tips For Buying And Storing Bacon
When buying bacon, it is important to consider the quantity you need for your group size. As a general rule, 2 streaky bacon rashers (20 grams), 1 back, or should bacon rasher (19 grams), or 1 tablespoon of bacon bits make 1 serving. However, the traditional approach is to buy 1 pack of bacon or 12 ounces for 3 people and 1 pound of bacon for 4 people. Most people eat 2 servings of bacon as a side and perhaps 3 servings in a BLT sandwich or at a buffet. It is also important to consider the quality of the bacon you are purchasing. Look for bacon that is free-range, antibiotic and hormone-free pigs for a healthier option.
When storing bacon, it is recommended to cook it to one level below how you like it done, drain on paper towels and cool. Seal in a plastic bag and refrigerate up to five days. Cooked bacon can easily be frozen by wrapping individual portions in paper towels to cushion and placing them into a zip-top bag. Frozen cooked bacon can go right into the frying pan from the freezer. Cook about a minute in a hot pan or until the desired doneness is achieved. It can also be warmed in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
For slab bacon, it should be tightly wrapped and will keep several weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the freshness factor when you buy it. However, freezing a slab of bacon is not recommended as the salt tends to make the fat turn rancid very quickly when frozen.
When cooking bacon for a group, it is recommended to use the oven method. Plan for about 1 pound of bacon for every 3 to 4 people, and know that you can fit about a pound of bacon on a half-sheet pan (a.k.a. about the size of your garden-variety cookie sheet). Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a rimmed sheet pan with foil. Arrange the bacon in a single layer and cook for 15-25 minutes depending on desired crispiness. Remove to a paper towel-lined dish and serve. Carefully remove the foil with the bacon fat, either crumpling up the whole thing and throwing it away or pouring off the fat into a jar or ramekin to save for frying eggs, sautéeing Brussels sprouts, or making DIY bacon candles.
By following these tips for buying and storing bacon, you can ensure that you have enough for your group size and that your bacon stays fresh and delicious until ready to use.
Recipes To Try With Your Bacon Haul
Now that you know how many rashers of bacon you can expect to get in a kilo, it’s time to put that bacon to good use! Here are some delicious recipes to try with your bacon haul:
1. Bacon-wrapped asparagus: Wrap a slice of streaky bacon around each asparagus spear and bake in the oven until crispy. This simple yet flavorful side dish is perfect for any meal.
2. Bacon and egg breakfast burrito: Fry up some streaky bacon and scrambled eggs, then wrap them in a tortilla with some cheese and avocado. This hearty breakfast burrito is sure to keep you full until lunchtime.
3. Bacon-wrapped chicken: Wrap chicken breasts in streaky bacon and bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. This savory dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
4. Bacon-wrapped dates: Stuff pitted dates with goat cheese, wrap them in streaky bacon, and bake until crispy. These sweet and savory appetizers are sure to be a hit at your next party.
5. Bacon mac and cheese: Cook up some macaroni and cheese, then mix in some chopped streaky bacon for added flavor and texture. This comfort food classic just got even better.
No matter how you choose to use your bacon haul, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for this beloved meat. So go ahead, indulge in your love for bacon and try out these delicious dishes today!