On March 3 we celerbates, National Canadian Bacon day a day to enjoy the every slice of Bacon. For meat lovers, there’s not much that is better than good old slices of yummy bacon. However, in sandwiches, fried up on a breakfast plate, served in pancakes, even served with syrup also, bacon is the meat candy of the world and has more than its fair share of dedicated fans.
Also, Many people think that Canadian bacon is a little more like ham than actual bacon, because of the way it is served. Also, made from back bacon and formed into a cylindrical shape, this type of meat is sold ready to eat.
Do you know that it has been more than 200 years since Canadian bacon was first created? Canadian bacon is slightly different from its American counterpart. While American bacon is mainly the fatty belly of the pig, Canadian bacon is cut from the loin of a pig. In Canada, this bacon is also known as Peameal bacon. Canadian Bacon Day is a day dedicated to this delicious food, a favorite breakfast item amongst millions in America, Canada, and some European countries.
Whether you whip up a breakfast feast with eggs and Canadian bacon or try it in a sandwich or pizza, there are plenty of tasty ways to celebrate. Are you planning something special for the day?
History of National Canadian Bacon Day
However, Canadian bacon may have once upon a time been known as ‘peameal bacon’. This is because the ham was prepared with brine and then rolled in ground-up dried yellow peas that would extend the meat’s shelf life. The versatility of the product led to it being quite popular and useful, especially for those who were in a hurry to prepare a meaty meal.
Today, Canadian bacon is still cured, but it is usually rolled in yellow cornmeal instead of the dried yellow peas. But the composition of the savory treat remains the same and cut from the loin and served unsmoked in thick, circular slices. This is a leaner cut of pork than standard bacon, making it a slightly healthier choice for those trying to cut down on the amount of fat they eat.
If you were to go to Canada and ask for Canadian bacon, you might be met with a few confused looks. In Canada, it is usually known instead as ‘back bacon’, or simply ‘ham’. If you just asked for bacon in Canada, you would likely receive the same streaky pork belly slices that you’d be used to in the United States.
National Canadian Bacon Day was created in celebration and honor of this tasty, versatile meat from the land that is beloved for ice hockey, maple syrup, and, of course, this type of bacon.
Evidence suggests that pork domestication started in China in 4900 B.C. However, it is said that it is only in 1500 B.C. that the Chinese started salting pork bellies. Centuries later, pork breeding became increasingly common in parts of Europe and Asia.
In Medieval times, bacon was quite popular in countries like England, France, and Germany. In those times, the term bacon was used to refer to anything made of pork or pork in general. In French, it was known as ‘bacun’ and in German, it was called ‘bacho.’
Soon, bacon reached other parts of the world, and countries started developing their variations of it. For example, it was called ‘bekon’ in Japan and used for dishes like ‘yakitori.’ Australia, the United States, and Canada had different variations of bacon as well.
In Canada, pork packers started cutting pieces from the pig’s loin instead of the fatty belly like the Americans. One of them, named William Davies from the William Davies company, started packing pork loins with yellow peas while sending it to his relatives in England.
He believed that keeping yellow peas increased the bacon’s shelf life. It is said that this is how peameal bacon or Canadian bacon originated. Today, Canadian bacon or peameal bacon is a delicacy enjoyed by people worldwide.
Peameal bacon sandwiches have been popular since the 1960s, and it is a big attraction for tourists who visit Canada or the United States. Though it is not known when Canadian Bacon Day was born, millions observe the day to celebrate this tasty and meaty breakfast dish.
| 4900 B.C. (Domesticated Pigs) | The Chinese start domesticating pigs. |
| 1500 B.C. (Ancient Bacon) | In ancient times, the Chinese made their own form of bacon by cutting the salty parts of a pig. |
| 1600 A.D. (Bacon Becomes Popular) | The taste of bacon overwhelms the masses and gains popularity in America and countries like France and Germany. |
| 1900s (Canadian Bacon Day) | Canadian Bacon Day is created as a dedication to peameal bacon. |
Recipe Canadian Bacon Breakfast Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of Canadian bacon
- 4 large eggs
- 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 4 English muffins, split and toasted
- Butter (for toasting the muffins)
- Optional toppings: avocado, tomato slices, spinach, hot sauce
How to make:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Canadian bacon for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s heated through and slightly crispy. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, crack the eggs and cook them to your liking (fried, scrambled, or poached). If using fried eggs, you can cover the skillet to help the tops cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the eggs are nearly done, place a slice of cheese on top of each egg and cover for a minute to melt the cheese.
- While the eggs are cooking, spread a little butter on the cut sides of the English muffins and toast them in a separate skillet or toaster until golden brown.
- On each toasted muffin half, layer a slice of Canadian bacon, a cheesy egg, and any additional toppings you like (avocado, tomato, spinach).
- Top with the other half of the muffin and enjoy your delicious breakfast sandwich.
Source: George Foreman Grills
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Bacon popularity has risen- Bacon recipes have become increasingly popular in the United States and Canada, causing widespread demand called ‘Bacon Mania.’
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There are strange bacon recipes- There are many unusual bacon recipes, from bacon with chocolate to bacon-flavored ice creams.
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Bacon fat is used for cooking- Melted bacon fat or bacon grease is used as a dressing in many cuisines.
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There are many bacon alternative- There are alternatives to bacon like vegetarian bacon (facon), turkey bacon, and mutton bacon (macon), ideal for vegetarians or those who do not eat pork.
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Canadian bacon is influential- Canadian bacon sandwich was served in Canadian Comedy Awards (2010) and N.B.A. Finals (2019).
Activities for National Canadian Bacon Day
Here are the some of the activites that you can do on National Canadian Bacon,
- Breakfast Feast: On this day you can also, start the day with a hearty breakfast featuring Canadian bacon, scrambled eggs, and pancakes.
- Cooking Contest: Host a friendly competition with friends or family to see who can create the best dish using Canadian bacon.
- Recipe Swap: Share and collect unique recipes that highlight Canadian bacon. You could even make a digital cookbook!
- Brunch Party: Organize a brunch with a variety of Canadian bacon dishes, like quiches, breakfast burritos, or bagels.
- Canadian Bacon Tasting: Try different brands or types of Canadian bacon. Set up a tasting station with various dips and sides.
- DIY Pizza Night: Create your own pizzas with Canadian bacon as a topping, along with your favorite ingredients.
- Food Pairing: Experiment with drinks that pair well with Canadian bacon dishes—maybe a savory cocktail or a nice brunch beverage.
- Online Cooking Class: Join or host a virtual cooking class focused on Canadian bacon recipes.
- Social Media Challenge: Share your Canadian bacon creations on social media using a unique hashtag to spread the word!
- Trivia Game: Play a trivia game with friends focusing on Canadian cuisine, including fun facts about Canadian bacon.
FAQs
Are there traditional dishes that use Canadian bacon?
Yes, some popular dishes include breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, pizza, and quiches.
Can I use Canadian bacon in recipes that call for regular bacon?
Yes, Canadian bacon can be a great substitute in many recipes, though it has a different flavor and texture.
Is Canadian bacon the same as ham?
No, Canadian bacon is made from the pork loin, while ham comes from the hind leg of the pig.
How is Canadian bacon typically cooked?
It can be pan-fried, grilled, or baked. It cooks quickly since it’s already cured and smoked.
Can I find Canadian bacon in grocery stores?
Yes, most grocery stores carry Canadian bacon in the deli or breakfast meat sections.
Are there vegetarian alternatives to Canadian bacon?
Yes, there are plant-based bacon alternatives available that can mimic the taste and texture.
Also, read more about National Sticky Bun Day – February 21, 2025
