As someone who loves exploring different types of bacon, I was intrigued when I first heard about peameal bacon. This uniquely Canadian delicacy is not as well known in the US, which made me wonder – where can I buy peameal bacon in the USA?
After doing some digging I uncovered some great options for getting your hands on peameal bacon stateside. Keep reading to learn all about this tasty treat and where to find it.
What Exactly is Peameal Bacon?
Let’s start with the basics – what is peameal bacon? Known as “Canadian bacon” north of the border it has some key differences from American bacon
- It’s made from lean pork loin rather than pork belly
- The pork loin is cured in a brine that usually contains maple syrup
- After curing, it’s rolled in cornmeal (historically “peameal”) before slicing
This gives peameal bacon a signature sweetness and that iconic cornmeal crust. When cooked, it has a ham-like texture that’s juicy and tender.
While you can find some “Canadian bacon” in American stores, it’s not the same as authentic peameal bacon from Canada. The flavor and texture are totally different, since true peameal uses special curing and cooking methods.
Why Get Peameal Bacon Shipped from Canada?
You’re probably wondering why go through the trouble of shipping peameal bacon from Canada vs buying Canadian bacon locally. Here are some excellent reasons
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Authentic flavor – Only Canadian producers follow traditional peameal bacon curing and cooking techniques for the real deal.
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Specialty recipes – Longstanding Canadian bacon purveyors have trademark recipes you won’t find elsewhere.
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Quality ingredients – Traditional peameal relies on premium pork, pure maple syrup, and corn-based coatings.
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Ethical production – Many Canadian peameal producers adhere to high standards of animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
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Deliciousness – Once you taste the incredible flavor of authentic peameal, you’ll never go back!
Where to Buy Peameal Bacon Online
If you’re sold on savoring the real thing, here’s where to find peameal bacon for sale online:
North Country Smokehouse
This century-old smokehouse in New Hampshire has an exclusive peameal recipe you can’t get anywhere else. Their Peameal Bacon is a USA favorite, with two 3-4 lb pork loins wet cured in a signature maple brine and cornmeal coating. It has amazing sweet and savory flavor in every bite.
North Country also offers “Peameal Bacon Bundles” with their award-winning uncured applewood smoked bacon. It’s the ultimate pairing! Their bacon ships frozen and they have excellent customer service.
Stawnichy’s
This third-generation Ontario farm and meat shop has offered quality peameal bacon since 1955. They ship their smoke-cured Peameal Bacon in 3 lb packages across Canada and to the continental US. It has a slightly smoky maple flavor and tender, juicy texture.
Hamilton Beach Professional
As a leading Canadian meat supplier, Hamilton Beach provides peameal bacon to restaurants across North America. You can buy their Raw Peameal Bacon online in 4.4 lb rolls for the freshest peameal possible.
The Great Canadian Bacon Company
This small-batch bacon shop in Bowmanville, Ontario sells certified humane, naturally cured peameal online. Their Maple Peameal Bacon has a specialty maple cure and real cornmeal coating. It ships to the US in quantities from 2 lbs up.
Things to Consider When Ordering Peameal Bacon Online
If you want to enjoy peameal bacon cooked to perfection, keep these tips in mind:
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Check delivery costs – some charge more for US shipping. Stawnichy’s has flat rates.
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Buy in bulk for the best value if you’ll use it within 3 months. North Country’s 15 lb bundle saves almost $30.
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Make sure it ships frozen to maintain freshness. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
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Look for curing with real maple syrup for authentic sweetness. The Great Canadian Bacon Company has true maple-cured peameal.
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Opt for cornmeal rather than plain salt as the coating for signature crunch. Hamilton Beach sells raw peameal coated in cornmeal.
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Read cooking directions since peameal can dry out if cooked wrong. North Country’s website has great oven and pan frying tips.
Enjoying Peameal Bacon at Home
Once you’ve got your hands on some incredible peameal, here are delicious ways to cook and eat it:
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Pan fry until crispy and enjoy on breakfast sandwiches or with eggs and pancakes.
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Bake in the oven on a rack set over a sheet pan to get it evenly browned without burning.
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Brown peameal lardons in a pan, then use them to make a incredible carbonara or potato hash.
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Wrap scallops or shrimp in peameal slices and bacon roast for next level seafood.
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Dice and add to mac and cheese, soups, or bean dishes for a savory umami flavor boost.
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Make BLTs with sliced peameal, tomatoes, lettuce and mayo for a fun twist.
What is Peameal Bacon? — Dining on a Dime Toronto
FAQ
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