20 Facts About Bacon

1.  More than 2 billion pounds of bacon are produced in the US each year.

2.  Bacon is one of the oldest processed meats in history.  The Chinese began salting pork bellies as early as 1500 BC.

3.  Bacon contains vitamin B1, vitamin B12, zinc and selenium.

4.  In the 16th century, European peasants would proudly display the small amount of bacon they could afford in their windows.

5.  One 200lb pig will produce approximately 20lbs of bacon.

6.  The phrase "bringing home the bacon" comes from the ancient sport of catching a greased pig at country fairs.  The winner kept the pig and "brought home the bacon".

7.  The 'Bacon Explosion' has become one of the most popular (albeit unhealthy) meals in the world.  The recipe?  Bacon wrapped around a filling of spiced sausage and crumbled bacon.

8.  Baconnaise is vegetarian.

9.  Bacon is addictive.  It contains six types of umami which triggers an addictive neurochemical response.

10.  September the 3rd is International Bacon Day.

11.  There is a bust of Kevin Bacon that's made of bacon.

12.  The formula for Bacon Cologne (yes, it exists) was created in 1920 by a Parisian butcher called John Fargginay.

13.  Bacon appeals to males slightly more than females.

14.  Pregnant women should eat bacon.  Choline, which is found in bacon, helps foetal brain development.

15.  People over the age of 34 are responsible for most bacon consumption.

16.  The word 'bacon' dates back to the late 1500s.  In Middle English, 'bacoun' referred to all pork.  During the 17th century, 'bacon' referred only to cured pork.

17.  Saint Anthony the Abbot is the Patron Saint of Bacon. (And epilepsy, amputees, shingles, gravediggers, hermits and lost items.  Busy saint.)

18.  Denmark consumes the most bacon in the world.

19.  There are varieties of bacon flavoured beer, bourbon and vodka.

20.  Bacon is the main reason why you're not a vegetarian.