The Complete Bacon Buyerâ€TMs Guide: How to Find the Perfect Brand for You

As an ardent bacon lover with over 20 years of almost daily experience cooking up deliciously crispy pork belly treats, Iâ€TMve tried just about every major brand and variety under the sun. Iâ€TMve pan fried, oven baked and even indulged in my share of streaky, belly, back and jowl bacon from countries across the globe.

Suffice to say, I consider myself a lifetime scholar in the school of smoked and cured pork cuisine. And after all those years of enthusiastic experimentation, Iâ€TMm excited to pass on everything Iâ€TMve learned to help fellow bacon fanatics discover their ideal match!

A Brief History of Bacon

Humans have enjoyed the salted, smoked meaty magic that is bacon for centuries. Pork belly curing dates back over 2,000 years to Ancient Rome. Chinese and European cultures later expanded production methods.

The term “bacon” itself originated in pre-Norman England to reference all pork in general. Later food preservation advances paved the way for the first commercial bacon producers.

Brands emerged to meet demand in America over the late 1800s. Oscar Meyer, founded in 1883 by a German immigrant, became synonymous with bacon by the 1940s. Technology enabled mass production, but traditional artisanal techniques retained a strong following.

Over 52 billion pounds gets produced globally today. Demand continues rising, with American bacon sales nearing $6 billion annually. And for good reason – no other food delivers such sheer porky flavor and crispy-chewy texture!

By the Numbers: Bacon Consumption in America

America loves bacon more than ever:

• 52% of consumers reported eating bacon in the past 30 days
• 48% enjoy bacon as a breakfast meat
• 65% prefer applewood or hickory smoked
• Average 3.5 lbs eaten per person yearly
• 76% say bacon fits their lifestyle

(Source: National Pork Board)

Iâ€TMve certainly contributed to these soaring statistics! Now letâ€TMs explore what exactly makes bacon so universally craveable.

Anatomy of Perfect Bacon

Mastering baconâ€TMs irresistible chemistry starts by selecting a premium pork belly. Artisanal producers seek out heritage hog breeds like Berkshire, Duroc Red Wattle raised humanely on small local farms. Their specialized diet and genetics breeds beautifully marbled meat.

Traditional open-air curing relies on Mediterranean sea salt, spices, sugars and time to penetrate deep for robust flavor. Smoking slowly over fragrant applewood or hickory wood (10+ hours) gives bacon its iconic aroma and taste.

Meticulous cooking whether pan fried, oven baked or grilled then provides crispy edges encasing tender, meaty layers boasting nary a hint of grease. Such alchemy between lean and fat transforms ordinary ingredients into something positively transcendent!

Now letâ€TMs identify ideal bacon traits to seek out on your next grocery run.

A Checklist for Choosing Exquisite Bacon

My years of extensive bacon evaluation have shown certain characteristics repeatedly rise to the top for producing sublime tasting results:

Pork Quality

• Heritage hog breeds
• Humane farm raising
• Vegetarian feed diet
• Generous marbling

Curing Style

• Traditional dry-rubbed
• No injected liquids
• All-natural ingredients
• Ample curing time

Wood Smoking

• Real hardwood varieties
• Cold smoked slowly
• Longer than 12 hours
• Natural smoke flavors

Cut and Appearance

• Thick slice preferred
• Uniform shape
• Appealing marbling
• Even color distribution

Packaging

• Vacuum-sealed
• Preservative-free
• Clear sourcing info
• Durable if mailing

I assemble my dream bacon platter by stocking a variety of preferred brands hitting all the high marks above. Combining choices allows enjoying different flavors, textures, fattiness and other traits to suit whichever craving strikes!

Next, weâ€TMll break down the best in class…

Ranking the Best Bacon Brands

While mainstream labels have their place for adding bacon bits to recipes, for enjoying those perfectly crispy full slices there exists a world of difference when opting for premium artisanal options.

Here are my Top 10 all-time favorites:

1. Bentonâ€TMs Smoky Mountain Country Hams

This family-run Tennessee tradition dating back over 75 years remains the holy grail. Curing pork raised on local farms, Bentonâ€TMs dry rub includes salt, brown sugar and black pepper applied over 2 months before smoking sessions exceeding 24 hours. Intensely concentrated hickory-infused flavor rightfully earns cult reverence.

2. Burger‘s Smokehouse

Another small-town gem in California, MO carrying on century-old meat smoking traditions. Their tender applewood smoked bacon comes from heritage Duroc, Berkshire and Yorkshire breeds treated humanely on regional partner farms. Sweet yet peppery balanced flavor permeates each succulent slice.

3. Nueskeâ€TMs Applewood Smoked Bacon

Wisconsinâ€TMs Nueskeâ€TMs builds on 85 years of meat smoking expertise to produce browned sugars and spices rubbed slabs slowly smoked over real applewood. Sweet yet savory flavor right in the bacon goldilocks zone.

4. Pedersonâ€TMs Natural Farms

Based in Minnesota, Pedersonâ€TMs cures with basic ingredients using natural smoking methods. Their hickory and applewood offerings bring clean, smooth sweetness complemented by subtle smokiness. A very approachable option.

5. North Country Smokehouse

With operations in New Hampshire and New York, North Country employs old fashioned approaches like using real hardwoods and Vermont maple syrup in curing area-sourced pork bellies. Both their thick-cut and smoked varieties deliver on rich, maple-kissed flavor.

6. Oscar Mayer

The classic brand many Americans grew up on offers solid consistency at low cost. Their applewood and hickory selections accentuate porky juiciness with mild smokiness. Hard to beat for everyday use!

7. Wright Brand Bacon

This smaller Ohio producer dry cures heritage breed pork for a bolder, deeply seasoned flavor heightened by longer applewood smoking. Their double smoked offerings especially impress smoked bacon fanatics.

8. Farmland

One of the most reasonably priced options, Farmland still manages to achieve admirable taste mainly by focusing solely on applewood smoked recipes. Youâ€TMll enjoy classic salty, subtly sweet bacony bites.

9. Wellshire Farms

Specializing in all-natural meats free of antibiotics, hormones and nitrates, Wellshire Farms dry rub cures heritage breeds before smoking over a sweet cherry and applewood blend. Flavor stays true to the quality pork.

10. Sugar Creek

You can literally see sugar sparkling on these smoky slices! Made by family-owned Prime Smokehouses, Sugar Creekâ€TMs exceptionally sweet, maple forward flavor profile tantalizes those craving a candy-like creation.

While preferences vary wildly, hopefully this list helps narrow options for your next heavenly bacon batch! I encourage tasting different premium brands to discover your own hand-selected winner.

Proper Storage for Optimal Bacon Freshness

Like all cured meats, keeping bacon fresh once opened requires some care:

• Refrigerate unopened packages for up to 2 weeks past printed sell-by date
• Freeze unopened packages up to 45-60 days for storage up to 3 months
• Once opened, rewrap tightly in airtight packaging or container
• Place bacon wrapped in paper towels inside zipper bags to absorb grease
• Refrigerate for 5-7 days maximum after opening
• Freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months

With such high fat content, bacon readily absorbs neighboring food odors in the refrigerator. Designate a dedicated bacon shelf, bin or drawer space away from produce to prevent cross-contamination.

Cooking Bacon to Crispy, Fat-Rendering Perfection

Achieving ultimate texture and taste with bacon requires proper cooking technique:

• Start with a cold pan – no need to preheat
• Choose a straight-sided stainless steel or cast iron variety over nonstick
• Arrange bacon slices side-by-side但不相互重叠
• Turn heat to medium and let bacon gradually sizzle
• Once steady bubbling begins, start flipping every 2-3 minutes
• Adjust heat lower if burning appears imminent
• Target 8-14 minutes total cooking time, depending on cut thickness
• Remove bacon once a deep caramel color develops with slightly firm yet pliable texture

Cooking too hot or overlapping bacon prevents even crisping. Drain on paper towels before serving to soak up excess grease.

Oven baking on sheet pans or cooling racks works well for higher volume cooking. I suggest preheating to 400聽聽degrees F and rotating pans at 12 minute intervals until desired doneness around 18-25 minutes.

Microwave bacon requires extreme care to avoid overcooking into rigid sticks. Best practice means using paper towels absorb excess moisture. Zap in 30 second increments only.

Incorporating Bacon into Healthy Lifestyles

Between rising rates of chronic diseases and growing fitness culture, more people monitor nutritional intake today. Many wonder whether enjoying bacon aligns with health goals.

The main considerations around bacon involve high saturated fat, sodium and nitrate content in cured and processed varieties. Consuming large quantities daily carries links to increased cancer, heart disease and diabetes risks.

However, incorporating occasional moderate bacon servings can safely fit into balanced lifestyles. Letâ€TMs review best practices:

• Stick to just 1-2 strips, 2-3 times weekly
• Prioritize uncured and nitrate-free bacons
• Focus on natural, preservative-free brands
• Incorporate more vegetables vs just bacon-centric dishes
• Avoid daily consumption
• Watch portion sizes if managing weight

Brands like Applegate, Pedersonâ€TMs, Wellshire Farms and North Country Smokehouse offer easier to digest options. Those monitoring sodium may prefer turkey or beef bacons.

Most importantly – make sure to savor every morsel! Applying moderation means appreciating bacon as an exceptional treat.

Creative Bacon Recipe Inspiration

While traditional usage sees bacon shining at breakfast time, creative chefs keep pushing boundaries for how to incorporate bacon into every meal.

Beyond the expectedEggs Benedict or loaded BLT, consider these taste temptations:

• Maple Bacon Donuts – Take sweet pastries up a notch!
• Brown Sugar & Bourbon Bacon Jam – Great gift idea!
• Candied Bacon Bites – Adorning your next charcuterie platter
• Bacon Vinaigrette Endive Salad – Nutty, salty, sweet with greens
• Bacon Fat Roasted Brussel Sprouts – Nutrient-balanced side
• Bacon-Wrapped Scallops – Elegant appetizer with sweet/savory interplay
• Maple Espresso Bacon Pancakes – Brunch game changer!
• Pizza Carbonara with Bacon & Egg – Smoky meets creamy
• Grilled Bacon Cheeseburgers – American classic kicked up

Endless options exist to liven up standard recipes with everyoneâ€TMs favorite pork product. I bookmark new bacon-centric meal ideas constantly on Pinterest to fuel my culinary creativity.

What will you whip up next?

Finding Your Bacon Happy Place

Few foods boast such distinctly rich, satisfying and downright addictive flavor as smoked and cured pork belly. Sampling different premium bacon brands reveals amazing diversity ranging from intensely smoky to maple sweet and everywhere between. Hopefully you feel newly inspired to keep pushing boundaries on just how ambrosial baconâ€TMs essence gracing our plates can reach.

Iâ€TMll leave you with this final thought – no matter whether pan frying, oven baking or experimenting with exotic new pairings, never lose sight of what matters most of all: taking time to mindfully savor each mouthwatering bite of lifeâ€TMs greatest guilty pleasure!

I welcome hearing about your favorite bacon discoveries on my food blog at www.BaconConnoisseur.com. Subscribe for regular recipes, reviews and other lip-smacking content celebrating all things bacon!