National Bacon Lovers Day (August 20)

One weird holiday on August 20th is National Bacon Lovers Day. Check out the other weird August holidays!

If there’s one food that has the power to bring people together, it’s bacon. On Bacon Lover’s Day, celebrated annually on August 20th, bacon aficionados from all walks of life unite to indulge in this beloved meaty treat. Whether it’s the smell that wafts through the air when it sizzles on the skillet or the crunchy yet chewy texture that delights the palate, bacon has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many.

This day is not just about eating bacon; it’s about exploring its culinary versatility, understanding its nutritional aspects, and celebrating its existence in various cultures around the world. Read on to learn more about what bacon is, its history, its nutritional value, fun facts about bacon, and more!

When is National Bacon Lovers Day?

National Bacon Lovers Day takes place on August 20th every year.

Who Invented National Bacon Lovers Day?

The specific origin and inventor of National Bacon Lovers Day, like many themed celebratory days, are not well-documented. It is likely that the day was initiated by bacon enthusiasts, food industry professionals, or marketing groups looking to celebrate and capitalize on the widespread popularity of bacon. This special day serves to enhance consumer engagement, promote various bacon-related products, and encourage the exploration of diverse culinary creations featuring bacon.

What is Bacon?

Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork made from various cuts, primarily from the pork belly or from back cuts, which have less fat than the belly. It is typically cured and smoked before being sliced into thin strips. Bacon’s flavor and texture vary widely around the world—in the United States, it is usually prepared from the pork belly and smoked, while in the UK and Europe, it is more commonly made from the back and less frequently smoked.

Varieties of Bacon

Streaky Bacon (American Bacon): Made from pork belly, it’s fatty with long layers of fat running parallel to the rind.
Back Bacon (Canadian Bacon): Comes from the pork loin in the back; it is leaner and has a more ham-like texture.
Pancetta (Italian Bacon): Typically unsmoked, cured with salt and spices, and rolled into a cylinder.
Other Varieties: Include turkey bacon, made from smoked turkey, and vegan bacon, designed to mimic the flavor and texture of real bacon.

The History of Bacon: A Sizzling Journey Through Time

Bacon’s origins trace back thousands of years, with its first recorded use in ancient China around 1500 B.C., where pork bellies were salted to preserve them. As one of the oldest processed meats in history, bacon has been a staple food for various civilizations. The word “bacon” itself originates from the Old High German word “bacho,” meaning “buttock,” “ham,” or “side of bacon.” In the 12th century, the English church began offering a side of bacon to any married man who could swear before God that he had not argued with his wife for a year and a day, thus popularizing the phrase “bringing home the bacon.”

As European navigators spread their colonial wings, so too did the tradition of curing and smoking pork belly. Bacon became a popular method to preserve meat in the pre-refrigeration era, especially on long voyages. Its utility and delicious taste ensured that it became a culinary mainstay in Europe and the New World, particularly in England and colonial America where it was a common breakfast food among the pioneers and settlers.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, bacon production had become more refined, and different regional varieties began to emerge in Europe. The industrial revolution in the 19th century further increased bacon’s popularity, as mass-production techniques allowed for cheaper and faster distribution of this once artisanal product. Today, bacon is enjoyed worldwide and is celebrated not only for its taste but also for its cultural significance in various dishes and cuisines. Whether featured in traditional breakfasts, wrapped around delicacies in gourmet dishes, or even infused into desserts, bacon continues to be a beloved ingredient with a rich history as flavorful as its taste.

Nutritional Value of Bacon

While bacon is often celebrated for its taste, it is also high in both fat and sodium, which can pose health risks if consumed in excess. However, it contains protein, B vitamins, and trace minerals that are beneficial for health. Moderation is key when incorporating bacon into a diet, and it can be part of a healthy eating plan when consumed alongside a variety of other nutrient-dense foods.

Health Considerations

Saturated Fat and Sodium: High amounts can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure.
Protein: Bacon is a good source of animal protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and growth.

Cooking and Flavoring Bacon

The versatility of bacon allows it to be cooked in various ways, each enhancing its flavor differently:

Frying: The most common method, frying bacon in its own fat until crispy.
Baking: Laying strips on a baking sheet in the oven, which can be less messy and allows for cooking large batches.
Grilling: Gives bacon a smoky flavor, perfect for summertime barbecues.
Flavor Variants: Bacon can be flavored with maple syrup, brown sugar, pepper, or honey in the curing process, adding a sweet or spicy kick to the salty meat.

Typical Uses of Bacon

Bacon’s uses in cuisine are almost limitless:

Breakfast: Commonly served with eggs, pancakes, and toast.
Sandwiches: Adds a savory depth to BLTs or club sandwiches.
Salads: Crumbled as a topping for salads to add a crunchy texture.
Wraps and Rolls: Used to wrap around other meats or vegetables before cooking to add flavor and moisture.
Garnishes: Added to soups, pastas, and baked goods for enhanced flavor.

Ideas to Celebrate National Bacon Lovers Day

Celebrating National Bacon Lovers Day can be a delightful gastronomic adventure. Here are ten fun and creative ideas to make the most out of this sizzling day:

Host a Bacon-Themed Potluck: Invite friends and family to bring a bacon-themed dish. This could include everything from bacon-wrapped appetizers to bacon desserts. It’s a fun way to explore the versatility of bacon in various recipes.
Bacon Tasting Party: Source different types of bacon from local butchers or gourmet food stores, including varieties like applewood-smoked, hickory-smoked, maple-flavored, and peppered bacon. Set up a tasting station with notes on the origin and flavor profiles of each type.
Bacon Cooking Class: Either host a cooking class at home with a few friends or sign up for a professional class if available. Learn to make new dishes that feature bacon as a central ingredient, such as bacon jam or bacon-infused chocolate truffles.
Visit a Bacon Festival: Many cities hold bacon festivals, complete with vendors, live music, and bacon-themed activities. It’s a great way to celebrate the day with fellow bacon lovers.
Bacon Happy Hour: Host a happy hour at home where all snacks feature bacon. Think bacon-stuffed mushrooms, bacon and cheese croquettes, and bacon-topped sliders. Pair each dish with a complementary cocktail or craft beer.
Movie Night with Bacon Snacks: Organize a movie night featuring films like “Babe” or “Charlotte’s Web” and serve a variety of bacon snacks, like bacon popcorn, bacon-wrapped jalapeños, or even a bacon pizza.
Create Bacon-Infused Drinks: Experiment with bacon-infused bourbon or vodka to make savory cocktails. Bacon bloody Marys or bacon old-fashioned cocktails can add a twist to your celebration.
Bacon Dessert Bake-off: Challenge your friends to a dessert bake-off where the main ingredient is bacon. Dishes could include bacon ice cream, bacon donuts, or chocolate bacon cupcakes.
Charitable Bacon Breakfast: Organize a community breakfast where you serve various bacon dishes, and all proceeds go to a local charity. It’s a way to spread love for bacon while giving back to the community.
Social Media Bacon Photo Contest: Host a photo contest on social media where participants share their best bacon-themed photos. It could be pictures of dishes they’ve cooked or fun and creative bacon art. Offer a small prize for the best photo, like a gift card to a local butcher shop.

These ideas not only celebrate the deliciousness of bacon but also bring people together for memorable experiences. Whether through cooking, tasting, or creating, there’s no shortage of ways to honor the beloved bacon on National Bacon Lovers Day.

Fun Facts About Bacon

Bacon’s Ancient Roots: Bacon’s history dates back nearly 3,000 years to 1500 B.C. The Chinese were among the first to cook salted pork belly, which is now known as the earliest form of bacon.
Presidential Preference: Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, was known for his love of bacon. He even included it regularly in his breakfast while serving as president.
Bacon in Space: In 2013, scientists sent a sculpture of a bacon double cheeseburger into space, using a high-altitude balloon. While the sculpture wasn’t actual food, it symbolizes bacon’s iconic status even in the most unusual experiments.
Record-Breaking Bacon: In 2013, the world record for the longest piece of bacon was set by Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Madisonville, Tennessee. The strip measured 2,983 feet (910 meters) long.
Bacon’s Economic Impact: In the United States, bacon is a billion-dollar industry. In 2018, Americans spent nearly $5 billion on bacon. The demand for bacon not only supports pig farmers but also drives a significant portion of the meat processing industry.
Literary Bacon: The phrase “bringing home the bacon” is believed to have originated from the 12th century when a church in Great Dunmow, England, promised a side of bacon to any man who could swear before God and the congregation that he had not quarreled with his wife for a year and a day. Successful couples were said to be “bringing home the bacon.”
Bacon at Weddings: In traditional Romanian weddings, a popular gift for attending guests is a small packet of bacon, symbolizing the hope of prosperity and a life as full as the rich flavor of bacon.
World Records: The world’s largest bacon and egg pie was made in New Zealand in 1992, weighing over 2,000 pounds.
Flavored Bacons: Beyond the traditional smoked varieties, bacon now comes in a range of flavors thanks to artisanal butchers and chefs. These include chocolate-covered bacon, bourbon barrel-smoked bacon, and even sriracha-flavored bacon.
The Bacon Explosion: This culinary invention consists of bacon strips woven around seasoned sausage and more bacon, then rolled, wrapped, and smoked. It became an internet sensation and is now a staple in the world of barbecue.
Bacon’s Health Research: Contrary to its unhealthy reputation, 2015 research from the University of Zurich suggested that modest bacon consumption could lower the risk of dying from heart disease, provided the rest of the diet was nutritionally balanced.

Bacon Lover’s Day is the perfect excuse to savor this delectable treat in its many forms. Whether you’re enjoying a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, experimenting with bacon-wrapped dates, or simply frying up a side of bacon for breakfast, this day is about embracing all the culinary delights bacon has to offer. So, fire up your skillets or heat your ovens and let the celebration begin!