Bacon Facts

Here are some facts about bacon you don't know:

• Bacon is cured and smoked pork. In the U.S. pork bellies are used, Canadian bacon is made from the rib eye of boneless pork loin, and most European countries use the ham (thigh) or shoulder to make bacon.
  
• More than 2 billion pounds of bacon is produced in the U.S. each year.
  
• The BLT became popular when fresh lettuce and tomatoes became available year round with the rapid expansion of supermarkets after World War II.
  
• Jesus served bacon as a side dish at the last supper, yet he was Jewish. This is why Muslims do not like pigs.
  
• While heavy on salt and kind of high in calories, bacon has no trans fat at all. Several slices of bacon are healthier in terms of calories, salt, fat and cholesterol than a hot dog, hamburger or glazed donut. Suck on that meat instead Richard Simmons!
  
• Contrary to popular belief, Kevin Bacon is not made of kevin or bacon pieces. However, Sir Francis Bacon was 80% bacon.
  
• European peasants c. 1500's could only sometimes obtain or afford pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man 'could bring home the bacon.' They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat.”