Are you a bacon lover looking to expand your horizons beyond the classic strips of streaky bacon?
If so, you may have heard of white bacon, also known as back bacon or green bacon.
But what exactly is it? Is it a different cut of meat or a unique type of bacon altogether?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of white bacon and discover its origins, uses, and how it differs from other types of bacon.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about this delicious and versatile pork product.
What Is White Bacon?
White bacon is a type of bacon that is made from the pig’s back, including the skin and the bacon layer attached to it. It is typically cured and smoked, just like other types of bacon, but it has a different appearance and flavor profile.
Unlike streaky bacon, which is made from the belly of the pig, white bacon is leaner and has a higher meat-to-fat ratio. This makes it a popular choice for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.
White bacon can come in different forms, including whole slabs or sliced strips. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as frying or oven-cooking, and is often used in Spanish cuisine for dishes like pork rinds and torreznos.
Origins Of White Bacon
The history of white bacon can be traced back to ancient times. The Ancient Romans had an early version of bacon, which they called “petaso,” a shoulder of pig boiled with dried figs, browned, and served with wine. Throughout the Medieval Times, bacon and bacon fat were important ingredients used by Anglo-Saxon peasants for cooking. The word “bacon” may have come from various sources, particularly from the French word “bako,” the common Germanic “bakkon,” and the Old Teutonic word “backe,” all of which refer to the back of the pig and date back before the 12th century.
In the 16th Century, the word “bacoun” or bacon was used to refer to any kind of pork. It was only in the 17th Century that “bacon” was used to refer exclusively to the salted and smoked belly that we know today as bacon. In Yorkshire and Tamworth, there were breeds of pigs that were specifically grown for making bacon.
White bacon, in particular, has its roots in Europe. It is believed that it originated in Spain, where it is known as panceta blanca or tocino blanco. This type of bacon is made from the back of the pig, which is leaner than the belly. It is cured with salt and spices and then air-dried or smoked.
Over time, white bacon has become a popular ingredient in many European cuisines. It is commonly used in Spanish cuisine for dishes like pork rinds and torreznos. In Italy, it is known as pancetta and is used in pasta dishes like carbonara.
Today, white bacon is enjoyed all over the world and has become a staple ingredient in many dishes. Its unique flavor profile and versatility make it a popular choice for those looking to add some variety to their meals.
How Is White Bacon Different From Other Types Of Bacon?
White bacon is different from other types of bacon in a few key ways. Firstly, as mentioned above, it is made from the pig’s back rather than its belly. This means that it has a different texture and flavor profile, with a leaner meat-to-fat ratio. Additionally, white bacon is typically cured and smoked, just like other types of bacon, but the curing process may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer.
Another difference between white bacon and other types of bacon is its appearance. While streaky bacon has distinct strips of marbled pink meat and white fat, white bacon is more uniform in color, with a light pink or beige hue. This is due to the fact that it is made from a different part of the pig.
Finally, white bacon is often used in different types of cuisine than other types of bacon. While streaky bacon is a popular choice for breakfast dishes like bacon and eggs or a classic BLT sandwich, white bacon is more commonly used in Spanish cuisine for dishes like pork rinds and torreznos.
Uses For White Bacon
White bacon, or bacon fat, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways in the kitchen. Here are some ideas for how to use this delicious ingredient:
1. Popcorn: Use bacon fat instead of butter on popcorn for a savory and smoky flavor.
2. Corn: Add bacon fat to cooked corn or use it instead of butter on corn on the cob.
3. Mashed potatoes: Substitute some of the butter in mashed potatoes with bacon fat for an extra boost of flavor.
4. Caramelized onions: Use bacon fat instead of butter or oil to caramelize or sauté onions (and peppers) for a delicious addition to any dish.
5. Refried beans: Add a bit of bacon fat to homemade refried beans for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Grilled cheese sandwiches: Use bacon fat instead of butter to fry grilled cheese sandwiches for a tasty twist on a classic.
7. Frying eggs: Bacon fat is perfect for frying eggs and adds a delicious smoky flavor.
8. Green beans: Add a bit of bacon fat to cooked green beans for a savory side dish.
9. Cornbread: Swap part of the butter in cornbread with bacon fat for extra deliciousness.
10. Hamburgers: Use bacon fat instead of oil when frying hamburgers for a bacon-y twist on a classic burger.
11. Roasted chickpeas: Use bacon fat in place of oil when making roasted chickpeas for a savory snack.
12. Mac and cheese: Take this classic up a notch by adding some bacon fat in place of part of the butter.
13. Frying potatoes: Bacon fat makes some of the best-tasting fried potatoes ever!
14. Roasting vegetables: When roasting veggies, add a dab of cold grease and once melted, stir veggies to coat.
15. Quesadillas: Use in place of butter or oil to brown quesadillas for an extra layer of flavor.
16. Fried rice: Instead of oil, use bacon grease when making fried rice for extra deliciousness.
17. French toast and pancakes: Use it to fry your french toast and pancakes for a tasty breakfast treat.
18. Soups and stews: Flavor soups and stews by using it to sauté veggies or to make a roux for added depth of flavor.
19. Gravy: Switch out the butter for bacon grease to add more wonderful flavor to your gravy.
20. Homemade croutons: Add extra yum to your salads by subbing it for butter or oil in homemade crouton recipes.
21. Season cast iron: Bacon fat works great for seasoning cast iron cookware!
22. Fire starter: Use bacon grease to make simple fire starters and enjoy a roaring fire in no time!
23. Warm bacon vinaigrette: Drizzle warm bacon vinaigrette on cooked veggies or leafy salads for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking With White Bacon
If you’re looking to cook with white bacon, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, since it is leaner than streaky bacon, it can dry out more easily if overcooked. It’s important to monitor the cooking process closely and remove the bacon from heat once it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
White bacon can also add a unique flavor to dishes that other types of bacon may not. For example, it pairs well with seafood, such as scallops or shrimp, and can add a salty and smoky flavor to pasta dishes or soups.
When cooking with white bacon, it’s important to consider the other flavors in the dish and how they will complement or contrast with the bacon. For example, if you’re making a salad with fresh greens and fruit, you may want to use a lighter dressing to balance out the richness of the bacon.
Where To Find White Bacon
If you’re interested in trying white bacon, there are a few options for where to find it. One company that specializes in pork products, including white bacon, is Jamones Carbó from Teruel, Spain. They produce raw slices of white bacon that can be used to make traditional pork rinds and other Spanish dishes.
Another option is Old Major Bacon, a company that uses a dry brine method to concentrate the pork flavor prior to smoking. Their white bacon is smoked with White Cedar, which imparts a subtle and delicious flavor. All of their pork products are sourced from Indiana farmers that raise their animals sustainably without the use of antibiotics or hormones.
White Cheddar Bacon cheese is another way to enjoy the flavor of white bacon. It can be added to soups and potato dishes for a full-flavored and hearty addition.
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s even chocolate-covered thick cut bacon from Hormel Brand. And for those who want a savory snack, there are white cheddar seasoned pork rinds with a twist of bacon and ranch flavor.