National Bacon Lovers Day is celebrated on August 20 each year. That day might be our favorite office holiday. There is nothing better than the smell of thin-sliced bacon frying in a pan and go with almost any food. Bacon makes every meal better, and it has been a big part of Western cooking since 1500 B.C. For thousands of years, people have loved the delicious smell and taste of bacon, so much that it feels like our love for bacon is in our DNA.
History of National Bacon Lovers Day
Although baco has been part of our diet since 1500 B.C., pigs were domesticated around 8500 B.C., meaning humans had bacon available long before they realized it.
The term ‘bacon’ was used more broadly until the 16th century, when it began to refer specifically to the cured meat we know today.
The process of curing bacon has been refined over time, but the basics have stayed the same. Modern improvements in hygiene and the massive increase in bacon production and consumption are the main differences.
Bacon’s popularity is evident from the 12th century when a church in Great Dunmow, England, offered a side of bacon as a prize to any man who could go a year and a day without arguing with his wife.
This led to the phrase “bring home the bacon,” which we use today to describe someone who provides for their family financially.
Moreover, jump forward to the Industrial Revolution, which transformed pork production on a grand scale. Before this, bacon and other pork products were typically made at home. Many people raised their pigs and slaughtered them for food, even keeping pigs in urban basements. However, this practice ended in the 1930s.
By the late 1700s, commercial pig farming, and bacon production began to rise. With a growing population and new machinery, bacon became one of the first foods to be mass-produced. Today, it remains a popular favorite in households everywhere.
| 1490 (Cuba Gets Some Royal Pigs) | At the insistence of Queen Isabella of Castille, Christopher Columbus transports eight pigs to the island of Cuba. |
| 1539 (Pigs in America) | Hernando de Soto offloads 13 pigs in Tampa Bay, and many escape from Spanish activity. |
| 1770 (Load Up The Trucks) | John Harris sets up the first large-scale bacon-curing business in the English town of Caine in Wiltshire. |
| 1883 (The Pig Industry) | Oscar Mayer, an industry leader in bacon curing and production, is established in the United States. |
| 1980 (You Had Me At Bacon) | Hardees adds bacon to their menu as a topping, one of the first fast-food companies to do so. |
5 Ways Bacon Impacts Our Lives
- Living in America: Approximately 268.04 million Americans enjoy bacon each year.
- It’s Breakfast Meat: In the U.S., 70% of bacon is eaten at breakfast.
- That’s a lot of Bacon: Each year, America produces over two billion pounds of bacon.
- We Love Bacon, It’s Here to Stay: Despite health movements in the 1980s that briefly affected bacon sales, its popularity endures.
- The Meaning of the Word: The term “bacon” refers to meat from the back of an animal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Bacon Lovers Day on August 20 is a celebration of a culinary delight that has been cherished for thousands of years. From its humble beginnings in ancient history to its prominent place in modern cuisine, bacon has proven to be a beloved and enduring part of our food culture.
Its rich history, from the early domestication of pigs to the rise of commercial bacon production, underscores its importance and widespread appeal. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a flavorful addition to any meal, bacon continues to capture our taste buds and hearts. As we mark this special day, let’s revel in the savory pleasure of bacon and the rich tradition it represents, celebrating a timeless favorite that has truly become a part of our culinary DNA.
You may also like to read, National Wing Day – July 29, 2024
Frequently Ask Question
1. What is National Bacon Lovers Day?
National Bacon Lovers Day is celebrated on August 20 each year. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating and enjoying bacon, a popular and flavorful food that has been loved for centuries.
2. Why is bacon so popular?
Bacon’s popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste and versatile use in various dishes. Its rich history, dating back to ancient times, and its ability to enhance the flavor of many meals contribute to its widespread appeal.
3. When did bacon first become a part of the human diet?
Bacon has been a part of the human diet since around 1500 B.C. However, pigs were domesticated as early as 8500 B.C., which means bacon was available to people long before it was formally recognized as such.
4. How has the process of curing bacon evolved?
While the basics of curing bacon have remained the same, modern advancements in hygiene and large-scale production have refined the process. Historically, bacon was often cured at home, but now it is mass-produced.
5. What is the origin of the phrase “bring home the bacon”?
The phrase “bring home the bacon” originated in the 12th century from a church in Great Dunmow, England, which awarded bacon to any man who could go a year and a day without arguing with his wife.
6. How did the Industrial Revolution impact bacon production?
The Industrial Revolution led to a significant transformation in pork production, making bacon and other pork products more widely available through commercial farming and mass production, which had previously been done at home.
