National Bacon Day 2022: Origins, Traditions & How To Celebrate

To bacon or not to bacon? But really, you already know the answer. Ham-let the sizzles and strips warm up the table and surprise your family with bacon goodness this Dec. 30 to celebrate National Bacon Day.

Breakfast dishes will be kissed clean before you realize it after the kitchen gets awash with the irresistible aroma of bacon grease and smoke, complemented by a sunny-side up or toasted bread — just the perfect mash-up to start the day on a good note.

Origins

Bacon comes from the Old High German word "bacho," which may be translated as "back," "ham" or "bacon," according to the New World Encyclopedia. Although "bacoun" was commonly used to describe any kind of pig in the 16th century, the term "bacon" was reserved for "cured" pork. "Bacoun" was modified in the 17th century, and people started using the term "bacon" to refer to cured and smoked pork bellies using different kinds of wood for cooking.

For centuries, European peasants relied on bacon as their primary source of protein, and it became the first meat to gain significant value on the international market.

In the 12th century, a church in the town of Dunmow, England popularized the phrase "bring home the bacon" by providing a serving of bacon to each married man who pledged to prove marital contentment by not arguing with his wife for a whole year and a day.

According to British History Online, the Wiltshire cure, a traditional English method of curing bacon and ham, was the standard in the 18th century and was regarded as the source of good bacon. Wiltshire's reputation as a leading producer of bacon became so well-established that the county's unique curing method bears its name.

In the 1770s, John Harris opened a butcher's shop for the bacon curing business in the English town of Calne, which was carried on by his sons and wife after he passed away in 1791.

The bacon industry progressed even more. In 1883, Oscar F. Mayer launched his first meat shop in Chicago, where he championed the production of sausages and ham with his brother and spurred total sales of $59 on its first day. Until this day, Oscar Mayer has remained in business.

Furthermore, Hardee's, an American fast-food chain, was among the first to offer bacon in a sandwich in the 1990s, further establishing the fatty staple bacon in the fast-food industry. Over the last 60 years, Hardee's has expanded from a single restaurant to over 1,800 restaurants all over the U.S. It also has branches in thirteen other countries.

Traditions

Every year on Dec. 30, the U.S. celebrates National Bacon Day as an unofficial holiday. This is the day to get together with loved ones, to call bacon buffs or even the ones who haven't tried bacon yet, and enjoy a delicious plate of pork belly that has been cured or smoked, matched with eggs, cheese, bread, or pasta!

This is the day when certain butcher shops offer sales and specials on bacon products, making it a great opportunity to try out new bacon dishes.

Meanwhile, Canada observes its own Bacon Day on March 3.

How To Celebrate

Bacon is a fuss-free go-to meal that complements other recipes due to its versatility. On Bacon Day, you can experiment with various kinds of bacon recipes that can satisfy everyone's appetite at the same time.

If you're in the mood for something unconventional but inviting, you may order a bacon pizza filled with oozing cheese and topped with salty bacon bits. This is a hit for the ones who pick tomatoes and green peppers for every slice of their pizzas.

If you're looking for something creamy and hearty, get ready to stun your family's palate with creamy bacon and mushroom carbonara, which is also a perfect dish for the holidays. But if you're in a rush due to a busy schedule, you can still celebrate Bacon Day by making a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich, which will keep everyone drooling and asking for another plate!

However, if you want to keep it classic, prepare your ala Ratatouille bacon and eggs skillet meal for breakfast — the best time to share a meal with the family!