National Canadian Bacon Day
This savory meat is a breakfast staple, often served with eggs and toast. It's a delicious and protein-packed way to start your day!
For meat lovers, there’s not much that is better than good old slices of yummy bacon! In sandwiches, fried up on a breakfast plate, served in pancakes, even served with syrup – bacon is the meat candy of the world and has more than its fair share of dedicated fans!
But, then, there are different kinds of bacon to enjoy in different capacities– and one of them is Canadian bacon, as it is known in the United States.
Many people think that Canadian bacon is a little more like ham than actual bacon, because of the way it is served. Made from back bacon and formed into a cylindrical shape, this type of meat is sold ready to eat.
History of National Canadian Bacon Day
According to rumor, 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 – 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.
How to Celebrate National Canadian Bacon Day
Celebrating National Canadian Bacon Day brings with it the obvious choice of partaking in a meal that includes (or, better yet, is centered around) Canadian Bacon. Most likely this will be eaten for breakfast, but it doesn’t have to be.
The great news is that even folks who don’t know how to do much cooking can make this simple pork cut into something delectable. Even the most inexperienced of cooks can make a go of it on National Canadian Bacon Day!
Serve a Canadian Bacon Dish
Canadian bacon is so versatile, there are plenty of recipes you could try your hand at on this day to celebrate this tasty cured meat.
Because of the way it is prepared and sold, it is not even necessary to cook Canadian bacon before it is served, either, so it’s excellent for those people who are on a tight schedule.
Or, consider these other simple options for serving up Canadian bacon in honor of the delicious day:
- When in a hurry, simply frying up an egg and serving it with a couple of slices of Canadian bacon will be a perfect start to the day.
- Or place a slice of this tasty meat into a toasted English muffin with an egg. Add some hollandaise sauce for a super tasty savory treat!
- Other delicious options include folding Canadian bacon into omelets easily enough, or chop it into small squares and throw it into a pasta dish.
- Those who have a frozen pizza that’s looking a bit sad could also sprinkle on some cuts of Canadian bacon and tomato sauce to really jazz things up and go from boring to wow!
Give a Nod to All Things Canadian
When enjoying the delightfulness of Canadian Bacon, why not take time out to appreciate some other great things that this northern nation has to offer?
Canada is known for more than just the obvious ice hockey and maple syrup! It’s a country filled with beautiful landscapes and some of the friendliest people.
Just a few of the things that people love about Canada include:
- Clean Air. Due to its natural forests, low population density, as well as a commitment to clean energy, Canada provides some of the cleanest breathing air on the planet.
- Scenery. Some of the most beautiful, unadulterated nature in the world lies in this country. From the snow-capped Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls, from deep forests to sparkling oceanic coasts, this country offers much to be enjoyed.
- Diversity. Filled with descendants of immigrants, Canada is a fairly young nation with various languages and cultures that supply it with a rich variety and a welcome feeling.
Get Breakfast at Tim Hortons
While there’s no guarantee that all of the Tim Hortons franchise stores serve Canadian bacon, many of them do have breakfast sandwiches that contain this special meat. Since more Canadians eat breakfast at Tim Hortons than any other restaurant, it seems like the perfect place to soak up some northern exposure.
Tim Hortons locations can be found in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Enjoy Some Canadian Entertainment
While gobbling up a breakfast that includes this yummy cured pork, why not be entertained by Canadians? Some stellar comedians, musicians, and actors hail from here (and they are probably celebrating National Canadian Bacon Day every day!).
Canadian Musicians and Bands:
- Sarah McLachlan
- Neil Young
- Celine Dion
- Drake
- Shania Twain
- Barenaked Ladies
- Loverboy
- Arcade Fire
- Rush
Canadian Actors and Actresses:
- Ryan Gosling
- Cobie Smulders
- Seth Rogan
- Rachel McAdams
- Keanu Reeves
- Sandra Oh
National Canadian Bacon Day FAQs
Why is Canadian bacon called “peameal bacon” in Canada?
In the late 1800s, Canadian pork producers began rolling cured pork loins in ground yellow peas to preserve them longer.
This practice gave it the name “peameal bacon.” Today, cornmeal is often used instead of pea meal, but the original term stuck.
How did peameal bacon sandwiches become a Toronto favorite?
In the early 1900s, vendors at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market started selling peameal bacon sandwiches.
The combination of the savory cured meat on a soft bun quickly made it a staple for locals and visitors alike. Today, the market remains a hub for this delicacy.
Can you eat Canadian bacon without cooking it?
Yes, Canadian bacon is fully cooked during the curing process. While you can eat it straight from the package, lightly heating it brings out its savory flavor.
What are some quirky myths about Canadian bacon?
A common misconception is that all Canadians call it “Canadian bacon.” In reality, it’s called “back bacon” or “peameal bacon” in Canada. The term “Canadian bacon” is mostly used in the U.S.
Are there any traditional dishes made with Canadian bacon?
Canadian bacon plays a starring role in Eggs Benedict. This classic brunch dish layers English muffins with slices of Canadian bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
How did Canadian bacon become popular outside Canada?
During a pork shortage in the 19th century, the UK imported lean pork from Canada. These back bacon cuts caught on and were eventually introduced to the U.S., where the term “Canadian bacon” took hold.
What sets Canadian bacon apart from American bacon?
Canadian bacon comes from the pork loin, making it lean and tender. It’s cured and sometimes smoked. American bacon, on the other hand, is streaky and fattier, cut from the pork belly.
Are there festivals celebrating Canadian bacon in Canada?
While there aren’t festivals specifically for Canadian bacon, many food events in Ontario feature peameal bacon prominently.
The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto often highlights peameal bacon sandwiches at local events.
How is Canadian bacon celebrated in modern cuisine?
Beyond traditional uses, chefs worldwide incorporate Canadian bacon into gourmet pizzas, salads, and even sushi rolls.
For instance, some fusion restaurants serve Canadian bacon-wrapped asparagus as a trendy appetizer. Its lean and smoky flavor complements a variety of dishes.
What’s a surprising fact about Canadian bacon’s nutritional value?
Canadian bacon is an excellent source of protein while being lower in fat and calories than traditional bacon.
A three-ounce serving contains around 21 grams of protein and only about 3 grams of fat, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts looking for a flavorful yet healthy option.
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