As a bacon lover, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enjoy this tasty cured pork product. Lately, I’ve noticed “artisanal bacon” popping up more and more at specialty retailers and high-end grocers Naturally, my curiosity was piqued What exactly makes artisanal bacon special, and is it worth the often higher price tag?
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about artisanal bacon. You’ll learn how it’s made, what sets it apart from regular bacon, where to find it, how to cook it, and why it can be worth splurging on for special occasions or as an indulgent treat. Let’s dive in!
What Is Artisanal Bacon?
Artisanal bacon refers to bacon that is carefully crafted in small batches using traditional, hands-on methods. It is the antithesis of mass-produced bacon made quickly in factory settings. Artisanal bacon makers take great pride in their craft, paying close attention to ingredient quality, curing times, smoking techniques, and achieving premium flavor and texture.
Specifically here’s what sets artisanal bacon apart
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Quality meat – Made from heritage breed pigs or wild boars raised humanely on small farms. More flavorful than commodity pork.
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Handcrafted curing – Cured for days or weeks using natural ingredients like salts, sugars, and spices. No artificial ingredients.
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Natural smoking – Slowly smoked using real hardwoods like apple, cherry, mesquite. No liquid smoke flavoring.
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Small batches – Made in limited quantities by skilled artisans, not mass-produced. Customizable flavor profiles.
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Premium flavor – Deep, savory, smoky flavors from high-quality ingredients and hands-on process.
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Better texture – Thicker slabs with tender yet firm meat, not paper-thin and brittle.
How Artisanal Bacon Is Made
Making artisanal bacon is a time-honored process that blends art and science. Here are the basic steps:
1. Selecting the Pork
Artisanal bacon starts with high-quality pork from heritage breed pigs like Berkshire, Duroc, Mangalitsa, or Red Wattle raised on small family farms. Wild boar also makes great bacon. The pork typically has more intramuscular fat, leading to fuller flavor and tender texture.
2. Preparing the Pork Belly
The pork belly is removed from the hog carcass, trimmed of skin and excess fat, and cut into slabs. Good bacon comes from the belly, not leaner loin or back cuts.
3. Curing
The pork belly undergoes a dry curing process where it’s rubbed with a mixture of salt, sugar, spices, and other flavorings. It cures for 1-3 weeks.
4. Optional Cold Smoking
Some artisanal bacons are cold-smoked before cooking. This infuses flavorful smoke for 12-48 hours without cooking the meat.
5. Hot Smoking
The bacon slabs are smoked slowly over smoldering hardwood chips/logs until fully cooked – up to 24 hours.
6. Cooling and Slicing
Once smoked, the bacon is cooled, then hand-sliced into thick, high-quality strips ready for cooking and eating.
What Makes Artisanal Bacon So Special?
From the painstaking craftsmanship to the premium ingredients, there are many reasons discerning bacon lovers are willing to pay a premium for artisanal bacon.
Depth of flavor – The flavor is deep, complex, and savory rather than one-note salty and smoky. You taste the quality of the pork and smoking woods.
Textural excellence – Carefully cooked meat has a tender, firm texture. It’s moist and chewy with good fat marbling rather than dry and brittle.
Conscientious sourcing – Humanely-raised heritage breed pigs make for tastier, more ethical meat.
Minimally processed – Lack of artificial ingredients, pumping, or shortcuts results in pure, authentic pork flavor.
Charming backstory – Supporting small producers preserves traditional craftsmanship and family businesses.
Customization – Small batches allow for innovation like bourbon-espresso bacon or other unique flavors.
Scarcity – Produced in limited quantities, artisanal bacon feels special – perfect for gifting or indulging.
Where to Buy Artisanal Bacon
While availability was once very limited, artisanal bacon is easier to find than ever before. Here are some places to look:
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Farmers markets – Ask local pig farmers and butchers if they make their own bacon.
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Specialty food shops – Many gourmet stores carry regional artisanal bacon brands.
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Butcher counters – High-end butchers may work directly with local bacon crafters.
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Online mail order – Various small producers ship nationwide directly to consumers.
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Subscription boxes – Receive curated artisanal bacon deliveries monthly.
You can also check out consumer reviews to see which mail-order bacon brands consistently earn rave reviews for premium flavor and textures.
Cooking and Serving Artisanal Bacon
Artisanal bacon brings nuanced flavor and luscious texture, so highlight rather than hide it. Here are some tips:
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Cook slowly over medium-low heat to render fat without burning.
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Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes for uniform crisping.
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Opt for pan-frying, baking or gentle grilling rather than microwaving.
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Use in egg dishes, baked potatoes, salads, and sandwiches to let the bacon flavor shine.
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Add bacon jam or bits to meats, burgers, pizza and pasta instead of cooking more strips.
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Crumble into cornbread, biscuits, and muffins for a savory, smoky twist.
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Wrap scallops or shrimp in bacon strips for an appetizer conveying pure bacon essence.
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Candy bacon bits in brown sugar and spices for an elevating finishing touch on soups or salads.
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Save rendered bacon fat for cooking or making candles and soap (no waste!)
Remember, with great bacon comes great responsibility. Enjoy this special treat in moderation.
Is Artisanal Bacon Worth the Price?
With some artisanal bacon costing $15 or more per pound, is it worth the splurge compared to supermarket bacon? For me, the answer is “absolutely,” but for special occasions or as an occasional indulgence. Here’s my take:
Worth it for bacon connoisseurs – Aficionados will savor every nuance and appreciate the quality.
Worth it for gifting – Makes a thoughtful, gourmet gift for bacon lovers.
Worth it for special meals – Adds a kick to brunch, breakfasts, and holiday meals.
Maybe not everyday bacon – It is ultimately still just bacon. Save for treats, not daily diets.
Maybe share cost – Go in with friends on a variety pack to try different kinds.
Maybe sacrifice quantity for quality – Savor the experience of superb small batches.
At the end of the day, artisanal bacon is a premium product and priced accordingly. The quality is evident in every tender, succulent bite. But I’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s worth the occasional splurge!
Frequently Asked Questions about Artisanal Bacon
To wrap up, here are answers to some common artisanal bacon questions:
What’s the difference between artisanal and regular bacon?
Artisanal bacon comes from heritage breed pigs, is carefully hand-crafted in small batches, and uses all-natural curing and smoking methods for premium flavor and texture.
Is artisanal bacon healthier than regular bacon?
It can be due to less processing and higher quality meat, but all bacon should be enjoyed in moderation.
How long does artisanal bacon last?
About 1 week in the fridge, 1 month in the freezer. Cure ingredients help preserve it.
Can you make artisanal bacon at home?
Yes! With practice, patience, and quality pork, you can handcraft your own artisanal bacon from scratch.
Does artisanal bacon need to be cooked before eating?
It’s been fully cooked during the smoking process but often benefits from some crisping via pan-frying, baking, etc.
What wood is best for smoking bacon?
Fruitwoods like apple, cherry, peach, and maple impart mild, sweet flavor during smoking.