- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CanadianCookingFood
- Where:
- Canada
- Date change rule:
- Every March 3
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥓
Canadian Bacon Day sizzles onto the calendar every March 3, inviting us to appreciate the leaner, cured pork loin. This day is a perfect excuse to enjoy this breakfast staple, whether fried, baked, or as a savory addition to other dishes. Try a classic Peameal bacon sandwich, whip up a Canadian bacon pizza, or simply enjoy it alongside your morning eggs.
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History of Canadian Bacon Day
Evidence suggests that pork domestication started in China in 4900 B.C. However, it is said that it is only in 1500 B.C. that the Chinese started salting pork bellies. Centuries later, pork breeding became increasingly common in parts of Europe and Asia.
In Medieval times, bacon was quite popular in countries like England, France, and Germany. In those times, the term bacon was used to refer to anything made of pork or pork in general. In French, it was known as ‘bacun’ and in German, it was called ‘bacho.’
Soon, bacon reached other parts of the world, and countries started developing their variations of it. For example, it was called ‘bekon’ in Japan and used for dishes like ‘yakitori.’ Australia, the United States, and Canada had different variations of bacon as well.
In Canada, pork packers started cutting pieces from the pig’s loin instead of the fatty belly like the Americans. One of them, named William Davies from the William Davies company, started packing pork loins with yellow peas while sending it to his relatives in England.
He believed that keeping yellow peas increased the bacon’s shelf life. It is said that this is how peameal bacon or Canadian bacon originated. Today, Canadian bacon or peameal bacon is a delicacy enjoyed by people worldwide.
Peameal bacon sandwiches have been popular since the 1960s, and it is a big attraction for tourists who visit Canada or the United States. Though it is not known when Canadian Bacon Day was born, millions observe the day to celebrate this tasty and meaty breakfast dish.
Canadian Bacon Day timeline
The Chinese start domesticating pigs.
In ancient times, the Chinese made their own form of bacon by cutting the salty parts of a pig.
The taste of bacon overwhelms the masses and gains popularity in America and countries like France and Germany.
Canadian Bacon Day is created as a dedication to peameal bacon.
Canadian Bacon Day FAQs
When is Canadian Bacon Day?
In 2027, Canadian Bacon Day falls on Wednesday, March 3. Mark your calendars for a delicious celebration of this unique breakfast staple.
How is Canadian bacon different from American bacon?
The primary distinction lies in the cut of pork: Canadian bacon comes from the loin, making it much leaner, while American bacon is derived from the belly, known for its higher fat content and crispy finish. This difference impacts both flavor and cooking.
Is Canadian bacon popular in Canada?
Absolutely, Peameal bacon holds a significant place in Canadian cuisine, especially in Ontario. Its popularity extends beyond breakfast, featuring in various traditional dishes and local delicacies across the country.
What is Peameal bacon?
Often considered a Canadian delicacy, Peameal bacon is essentially a lean cut of pork loin that has been cured and then rolled in cornmeal. It’s distinguished by its tender texture and mild, savory flavor, making it a popular choice for sandwiches.
Canadian Bacon Day Activities
Eat Canadian bacon
What better way to celebrate Canadian Bacon Day than to eat some Canadian bacon! Search for Canadian bacon sandwich recipes and make your own, or go to a nearby restaurant that serves the dish. Bon appetit!
Share it on social media
Let everyone know that you're celebrating this day. Take pictures of you enjoying Canadian bacon with friends and family and post them on social media. You also write articles on Canadian bacon and post them online.
Learn more about Canadian bacon history
If you are a food enthusiast who not only loves to eat food but also enjoys a good origin story, then this holiday is right up your alley. Most establishments or companies who serve or make bacon distribute information about its history to patrons, which allows you to fill both your mind and tummy.
5 Facts About Bacon That Will Blow Your Mind
Bacon popularity has risen
Bacon recipes have become increasingly popular in the United States and Canada, causing widespread demand called ‘Bacon Mania.’
There are strange bacon recipes
There are many unusual bacon recipes, from bacon with chocolate to bacon-flavored ice creams.
Bacon fat is used for cooking
Melted bacon fat or bacon grease is used as a dressing in many cuisines.
There are many bacon alternatives
There are alternatives to bacon like vegetarian bacon (facon), turkey bacon, and mutton bacon (macon), ideal for vegetarians or those who do not eat pork.
Canadian bacon is influential
Canadian bacon sandwich was served in Canadian Comedy Awards (2010) and N.B.A. Finals (2019).
Why We Love Canadian Bacon Day
It gives us an opportunity to try new recipes
Canadian Bacon Day gives us a break from our daily routines and allows us to eat something different. It gives us a chance to enjoy Canadian bacon recipes with friends and family.
It’s a time to socialize
This day gives us a chance to meet friends over lunch or dinner. To celebrate Canadian bacon day, people go out to restaurants with friends or relatives, and it is a perfect opportunity to bond and socialize with people.
We can improve our knowledge of food history
This is also a day of learning. It allows us to learn about the history of cuisines, their impact on history, and their influence on society, thereby helping us expand our knowledge.