# The Ultimate Guide to Canadian Bacon: A Culinary Adventure

What is Canadian Bacon?

Canadian bacon, also known as peameal bacon, is a type of cured pork loin originating from Canada. It is distinguished by its unique round shape and mild, salty flavor. Unlike traditional bacon, which is made from pork belly, Canadian bacon is made from the leaner pork loin.

History of Canadian Bacon

The origins of Canadian bacon can be traced back to the early 19th century. In the 1850s, a butcher named William Davies from the city of Peterborough, Ontario, is credited with creating the first peameal bacon. Davies discovered that by rolling pork loin in ground yellow peas before curing and smoking it, he could achieve a tender and flavorful product.

Nutritional Value

Canadian bacon is a good source of protein, providing approximately 18 grams per 100-gram serving. It is also a relatively low-fat meat, with only 5 grams of fat per serving. Additionally, Canadian bacon is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.

How to Cook Canadian Bacon

Canadian bacon can be cooked in a variety of ways, including:

• Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Canadian bacon on a baking sheet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Canadian bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place the Canadian bacon on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Canadian Bacon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork loin
• 1 cup ground yellow peas
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the ground yellow peas, salt, brown sugar, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Roll the pork loin in the peameal mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
3. Wrap the peameal bacon tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
4. Remove the bacon from the refrigerator and unwrap the plastic wrap.
5. Place the bacon on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Humorous Stories about Canadian Bacon

1. The Great Peameal War: In the 1950s, there was a fierce rivalry between two Canadian bacon producers, John Morrell & Co. and Maple Leaf Foods. The battle reached its peak when Morrell released a billboard featuring a giant peameal bacon that read, "The Peameister." Maple Leaf responded with a counter-billboard that featured a smaller peameal bacon with the slogan, "The Pea-tet."
2. The Case of the Missing Peameal: In 2017, a Canadian man was arrested for stealing a 22-pound peameal bacon from a grocery store. When police arrived at the scene, they found the man hiding in the store's meat aisle, attempting to conceal the stolen bacon under his coat.
3. The Peameal Cure: In the early days of Canadian bacon production, it was believed that rolling the pork loin in ground yellow peas had medicinal properties. It was claimed that the peas could cure everything from rheumatism to common colds. While this belief has long been debunked, it still provides a humorous anecdote about the history of Canadian bacon.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Nutrient Content of Canadian Bacon

Table 2: Comparison of Canadian Bacon to Other Bacon Types

Table 3: Effective Strategies to Enhance Canadian Bacon Flavor

How to Make Canadian Bacon Step-by-Step

Materials:

• Pork loin
• Ground yellow peas
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Loin: Trim any excess fat from the pork loin and cut it into a uniform size.
2. Create the Peameal Mixture: Combine the ground yellow peas, salt, brown sugar, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
3. Roll the Pork Loin: Roll the pork loin in the peameal mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
4. Wrap and Refrigerate: Wrap the peameal bacon tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
5. Bake the Bacon: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the peameal bacon on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Slice and Serve: Slice the Canadian bacon across the grain and serve immediately or store for later use.

Pros and Cons of Canadian Bacon

Pros:

• Lean and low in fat
• Good source of protein
• Mild and salty flavor
• Versatile cooking options

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than regular bacon
• Requires curing and preparation time
• May not be as widely available as regular bacon

Conclusion

Canadian bacon is a flavorful and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer to bake, fry, or grill it, Canadian bacon is sure to impress your taste buds. So next time you're looking for a delicious and nutritious protein, consider giving Canadian bacon a try.