Whether you’re adding it to a casserole or pizza, mixing it into a batch of cookies, or enjoying a few solo strips, there’s no wrong way to enjoy bacon’s savory flavor and delightful crunch. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also a great source of high-quality protein that can be cooked in a number of ways.
Needless to say, bacon is incredibly popular! Coleman Natural Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon is always a bestseller, and we understand why. On top of tasting great, we’re proud to say our pork bacon is made with simple, natural ingredients. Plus, it’s uncured.
You might be wondering: What’s the difference between cured and uncured bacon, and why do we choose to make all of our bacon uncured? Let’s dive into how bacon is made and what the curing process entails. Table of Contents
As a bacon lover, I was ecstatic when turkey bacon first emerged as a “healthier” alternative to regular pork bacon. But soon I learned that not all turkey bacon is created equal. While perusing the grocery aisles, I began noticing some turkey bacon labeled as “uncured”. What exactly does this mean? Is uncured turkey bacon truly better for you? I decided to dig into this tasty mystery and uncover everything you need to know about uncured turkey bacon.
The Curing Process: What Makes Bacon “Bacon”
Before we can understand uncured turkey bacon, it helps to first understand how regular cured bacon is made Bacon is cured, meaning it goes through a curing process to preserve the meat and add flavor. Pork belly is treated with a salt brine, sometimes with spices and sugars added. Many mass-produced cured bacons also contain sodium nitrite, a preservative that lends bacon its signature pink color and unique flavor The pork then undergoes smoking or cooking, resulting in the bacon we all know and love.
So in short, traditional bacon depends on nitrites from curing salts to achieve the taste and appearance we expect But not all bacon follows this same process..
Introducing “Uncured” Turkey Bacon
When you see turkey bacon labeled as “uncured”, this means no artificial nitrates or nitrites were used in processing. Instead, uncured turkey bacon relies on natural nitrates from vegetable powders, like celery powder, during curing. It’s then smoked to finish.
While uncured turkey bacon contains no added sodium nitrite, it still undergoes a curing process and is not completely nitrate-free. But it is free of artificial preservatives, making it an appealing choice for health-conscious bacon lovers.
Why Choose Uncured? The Health Benefits
So what makes uncured turkey bacon the better choice in terms of your health? Here are some of the benefits this nitrate-free bacon offers:
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No risk of nitrosamines: Nitrites can convert into nitrosamines during high heat cooking. Nitrosamines are potentially carcinogenic compounds.
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Reduced sodium: Uncured turkey bacon contains less sodium on average than cured options. This benefits heart health.
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No artificial preservatives: By law, uncured bacon contains no artificial nitrates/nitrites, just natural curing agents.
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Potentially fewer migraines: Studies link nitrites to migraines – uncured meats may help some migraine sufferers.
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Safer for pregnant women: Nitrate exposure may increase risks during pregnancy. Uncured meats reduce this concern.
While small amounts of nitrates occur naturally in many vegetables, eliminating added or synthetic nitrates can be a smart preventative health measure.
Downsides to Keep in Mind
However, uncured turkey bacon isn’t necessarily the perfect health food either. Here are some downsides to consider:
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Still high in sodium: While lower than some cured options, uncured turkey bacon can still be high in sodium.
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May contain other additives: Sugar, MSG and other additives are sometimes added during processing.
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Higher price point: Due to specialty processing, uncured turkey bacon costs more than regular cured bacon.
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Shorter shelf life: Without added preservatives, uncured turkey bacon has a shorter shelf life once opened.
For maximum health benefits, uncured turkey bacon is likely best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Tips for Choosing and Using Uncured Turkey Bacon
Ready to give uncured turkey bacon a try? Follow these tips for buying and cooking it:
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Read labels carefully: Confirm the labels state “uncured” and “no nitrates/nitrites added”.
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Know it looks different: Expect a grayish or brown tint rather than pink since no sodium nitrite is used.
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Store properly: Keep uncured bacon refrigerated and use within 4-7 days of opening.
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Cook thoroughly: Follow safe cooking guidelines and cook uncured turkey bacon to 165°F minimum.
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Avoid burning: Try medium heat to prevent burning and formation of carcinogens.
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Use in moderation: Due to the sodium content, enjoy uncured turkey bacon as an occasional treat.
Get Creative with Uncured Turkey Bacon!
While an occasional traditional BLT is delightful, consider some creative ways to enjoy the unique flavor and texture of uncured turkey bacon:
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Chop it up and add to healthy omelets and egg scrambles.
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Whip up a turkey bacon guacamole by crumbling it onto guacamole.
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Make a “BLT” salad with turkey bacon crumbles, greens, tomato and creamy dressing.
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Bake turkey bacon into egg muffins or mini quiches for easy breakfasts.
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Enjoy a turkey bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on an English muffin.
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Crumble it over soups like baked potato soup or chili for a smoky topper.
With its impressive health advantages, uncured turkey bacon offers a smart way to still enjoy the smoky, savory flavors you love. While not a free pass to overindulge, incorporating uncured options can be one simple step toward a balanced diet. So next time you shop for that staple breakfast ingredient, consider picking up a package of uncured turkey bacon to give it a try!
Cured vs. Uncured Bacon
The main difference between cured and uncured bacon is in the ingredients used for curing. Yes, contrary to what these terms imply, both cured and uncured bacon are cured. They just use different curing agents.
More meat products are cured than you might think. Popular cured meats include hot dogs, ham, and smoked sausages like bratwursts and Polish kielbasa.
Cured bacon utilizes nitrates and nitrites, such as sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite. These chemical compounds and food preservatives help cure the meat as well as help it maintain its pink color.
Uncured bacon doesn’t contain added nitrates or nitrites. Instead, it relies on natural ingredients such as cultured celery powder and sea salt during the curing process. While these products are still technically cured, the USDA requires bacon without nitrate and nitrites to be labeled with the phrase “Uncured Bacon, No Nitrates or Nitrites Added.”
Now that you know the difference between cured and uncured bacon, let’s move on to why you should care.
Added nitrites and nitrates may be harmful to your health. Studies have shown that these chemical additives are not easily processed by your body, and may turn into nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are carcinogenic, meaning that they may lead to the development of cancer. They may also cause reproductive issues and birth defects.
However, another option is to forgo nitrates and nitrites and instead opt for bacon cured with cultured celery powder. This natural ingredient has no known adverse health effects, which is why it’s what Coleman Natural uses in our uncured bacon products.
What Does Curing Do?
Curing is a preserving process that aims to lengthen the shelf life of meat and prevent bacon from going bad. It also inhibits the formation of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. It helps keep meat fresh, makes it safe to eat, and can also help preserve color and flavor.
As the meat absorbs curing agents, it loses some of its moisture and begins to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including some pathogens. Clostridium botulinum, the toxin responsible for botulism, is just one harmful bacteria that can be stopped in its tracks by curing.
The curing process can also change the properties of meat. Cured meats often become more tender as they become resistant to bacterial growth and spoilage. That means cured meat is often juicy and full of flavor!
At Coleman Natural, we only use natural curing ingredients to make our bacon and other meats delicious and healthy for your family and friends to enjoy.
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FAQ
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