Bacon is a beloved staple in many Edmonton homes, but do you know the difference between bacon crafted by a local butcher and the kind that’s mass-produced in a factory?
Maybe you’re a bacon aficionado or simply enjoy this delicious meat. Either way, learning about the process can help you better appreciate the savory, crispy strips you enjoy.
Let’s take a look at how bacon is made:
How is Bacon Made at a Butcher Shop
At a butcher shop like D’Arcy’s, the bacon-making process is handled with care and attention.
Butchers use high-quality cuts of pork, often choosing pork belly for its ideal fat-to-meat ratio.
The pork is cured in a blend of salt, sugar, and spices, allowing it to absorb the flavors before it’s smoked.
This slow process allows the bacon to develop its rich taste.
Unlike factory production of bacon, butchers can also offer a personalized touch, adjusting flavors and curing times based on customer preferences.
Is Butcher Bacon Better Than Factory Bacon?
Butcher bacon is often viewed as superior because of the small-batch process and the quality of ingredients used.
Factory-produced bacon tends to rely on faster, mass-scale methods, which can result in a product that lacks the deep flavor of butcher bacon.
With butcher bacon, you’re getting a product made by someone who takes pride in their craft, using traditional techniques to create a more flavorful and satisfying experience.
What are the Types of Bacon?
Bacon comes in many forms, each offering its own unique taste and texture. Here’s a quick breakdown of our popular varieties:
Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick-cut bacon is just as it sounds - thicker slices of pork belly that cook up hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for those who want a meatier bite and a more substantial bacon experience.
To make thick-cut bacon, pork belly is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and sometimes spices or herbs. After curing, it’s smoked to develop a rich, savory flavor.
When cooking thick-cut bacon, remember that the thickness means it takes longer to cook. It’s best to cook it in the oven at a lower temperature, but you can also pan-fry it on low heat.
A butcher can customize the thickness of the bacon for you, and some may even offer to season the bacon with spices before slicing.
Canadian Bacon
While it’s called bacon, Canadian bacon is actually quite different than the strips you’re probably used to. It’s made from pork loin rather than belly, making it leaner and more like ham.
Canadian bacon is made by curing the pork loin in a brine made of salt, sugar, and spices. It is then smoked or cooked, giving it that familiar savory flavor.
It’s a great option for those looking for a less fatty version of bacon with the same smoky flavor. Most people pan-fry or grill Canadian bacon, adding it to their breakfast or using it as a topping on pizza.
When you buy Canadian bacon from a butcher, you can often request it sliced to your preferred thickness. Some butchers may even enhance the flavor with herbs or even maple syrup during the curing process.
Beef Bacon
For those who don’t eat pork, beef bacon is a fantastic alternative! It’s made from beef belly or brisket and offers a unique, hearty flavor.
Beef bacon is typically leaner than pork bacon but still delivers that crispy texture we all love. You can fry it like pork bacon, but it has a deeper, more robust flavor.
And because it’s leaner than pork bacon, it may cook faster, so it’s important to keep an eye on it.
Its bold flavor makes a great addition to burgers or any recipe where you want to add a savory element.
A butcher can slice beef bacon to your desired thickness, and most offer different smoking techniques or flavor profiles, like adding black pepper, garlic, or maple during the curing process.
Can You Buy Fresh Bacon from a Butcher in Edmonton?
Yes, you can!
D’Arcy’s Meat Market offers freshly made bacon that’s carefully crafted in-house.
This means you’re not just getting a fresher product but one that’s been made with high-quality ingredients and time-honored methods.
You’ll taste the difference in every bite, as the bacon is free from preservatives and artificial flavors often found in factory-produced options.
Experience Bacon Like Never Before with D’Arcy’s Meat Market
At D’Arcy’s Meat Market, bacon is more than a breakfast item - it’s an experience!
Handcrafted with care, each batch of bacon is made to deliver the perfect balance of smoky, salty goodness.
Visit D’Arcy’s or check out our online shop to grab your favorite cut and experience bacon the way it was meant to be.