What is the meaning of bacon?

A great classic of the Anglo-Saxon breakfast, bacon is a unique charcuterie! Also called smoked bacon, bacon refers to a slice of salted bacon that can be taken from different parts of the pig before being salted and smoked: the chest, the back or the belly. Depending on the part of the body in which the bacon is cut, we obtain a sausage more or less rich in fat. If bacon is traditionally eaten in the morning, accompanied by scrambled eggs and toast, it also offers a multitude of possibilities in the kitchen and allows the creation of original and tasty recipes!

The calorie content of bacon varies greatly depending on the part of the animal’s body. Thus, lean bacon contains around 130 kcal, compared to more than 500 kcal for bacon taken from the breast, so it is important to make the right choice! Bacon contains a large amount of protein, just over 35g per 100g, so it contributes to the development of muscle mass and its maintenance. However, it is a sausage rich in saturated fat and salt, so its consumption should be moderate as part of a varied and balanced diet. Indeed, sodium and saturated fats consumed in excess can have a negative impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Sous vide bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks before opening. As with all fresh products, it is essential to refer to the use-by date (DLC) indicated on the packaging. Once the package is opened or when the bacon is purchased by the cut, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To extend this storage time, it is possible to place the bacon in the freezer for a maximum of 6 months.

Bacon is a salty but raw deli meat, which withstands most cooking perfectly. Most of the time, it is cooked in a pan and at high temperature to obtain a much appreciated grilled taste. It is also possible to bake it in the oven or to incorporate it into stews to which it will bring an incomparable smoky taste!

There is a very wide range of bacon in supermarkets, yet not all are created equal! For optimal quality, it is important to choose bacon containing as few additives as possible and preferably from France. Also, low-salt bacon is a good option to enjoy this deli meat by limiting the negative impact of excess sodium on the body. Finally, it is recommended to favor lean bacon over smoked brisket which contains up to 5 times more saturated fat and calories!

The salty and smoky taste of bacon allows you to make a multitude of recipes, as original as they are delicious! For an English breakfast, it can simply be grilled and accompanied by scrambled eggs, beans or even toast. But the use of bacon in the kitchen is not limited to that! In pies and gratins, it goes particularly well with cheese or potatoes. Lean bacon can also be used in quiches and pasta dishes to replace the much higher calorie bacon. We also like to combine it with fish to make delicious, surprising and refined land-sea dishes!