Ah, bacon. What ever would we do without it?
When a room smells like bacon, there is no one in the history of the planet that has ever not been happy. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration. But even I, a vegetarian (who cheats sometimes, oops!) love the smell of bacon. It's irresistible, really.
Whether you like to eat bacon with your breakfast, sandwiched between a toasted everything-bagel with eggs and cheese, or atop a big juicy burger, there is no wrong way to eat bacon. Bacon is even becoming an acceptable dessert, with bacon-topped doughnuts, cakes, chocolates, and pretty much everything you can think of. The sweet and salty flavors are like a literal party in your mouth.
These 10 facts about bacon might just give you even more reason to chow down. However, even though it does have some great benefits, I do have to say that moderation is key if you want to keep that heart nice and healthy — just like everything else in life!
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1. America Eats 5,608,654,506 Pounds Each Year
On average, each American will eat about 18 pounds of bacon each year. Some will eat much more, and some will each much less or none at all. Still, 18 pounds is a very impressive number. That's like two full cans of paint (and anyone who's ever had to carry a gallon of paint from the store knows that's a hefty amount!).
2. There Are Many Different Kinds Of Bacon
Americans mainly likes to eat belly bacon, which is full of fat, while people in the United Kingdom like shoulder and ham bacon. Meanwhile, Canadian bacon comes from the loin. All types of bacon, though, are delicious in their own way.
3. "Bringing Home The Bacon" Didn't Originally Relate To Cash
In the 12th century, a church in Dunmow, England, offered a pack of bacon to any man who could attest to God and everybody that he had not fought or argued with his wife in a full year and a day. Anyone who could say that they brought home the bacon was very respected and had a reason to feel a great amount of pride.
4. There Is A Bacon-Scented Perfume
That's right, you can smell like bacon all day, every day. You can purchase the perfume online, but this modern creation wasn't the first instance of the wearable bacon scent. A Parisian butcher in 1920 got there first, but I think it's safe to say that most of us only ever want to smell bacon wafting from the kitchen.
5. St. Anthony Is The Patron Saint Of Bacon
If you ever pray to St. Anthony to help you find your keys or your wedding ring as you frantically search your home, it turns out you've also been praying to the patron saint of bacon. As the patron saint of pigs, swineherds, and butchers, St. Anthony has been dubbed the patron saint of bacon. Amazing.
6. WWII Basically Created The BLT
The suburban development that happened in the wake of WWII brought more supermarkets to middle class families that lived in suburban areas. Supermarkets made fresh vegetables and meats readily available year-round, and thus, the modern BLT was born. They're so simple and delicious.
7. National Bacon Day Is December 30
In America, National Bacon Day is celebrated on December 30. Do with that information what you will, and celebrate however you see fit!
8. Sliced Bacon Hit Shelves In 1924
The first sliced and packaged bacon hit grocery store shelves in 1924, and all thanks to Oscar Meyer. Many other companies shortly followed, and it's now basically a household staple.
9. Bacon Could Help In Utero Brain Development
There's a chemical that's found in bacon (which is also found in eggs, liver, milk, chicken, and nuts) that has been shown to help the brain function in babies when provided in utero. Everything in moderation, of course, but the choline in bacon is very important for brain growth.
10. The First Manned Mission Around The Moon Featured Bacon
All Apollo 8 breakfasts had a key element of bacon in them, and the entire crew loved it so much they said they'd even eat the space bacon back on earth.
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