Canadian Bacon Day is celebrated on March 3 every year, and we’re going to show you how to celebrate the day tastefully. Do you know that it has been more than 200 years since Canadian bacon was first created? Canadian bacon is slightly different from its American counterpart.
While American bacon is mainly the fatty belly of the pig, Canadian bacon is cut from the loin of a pig. In Canada, this bacon is also known as Peameal bacon. Canadian Bacon Day is a day dedicated to this delicious food, a favorite breakfast item amongst millions in America, Canada, and some European countries.
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
What is the difference between Canadian bacon and ham?
Yes. Canadian bacon has pieces cut from the backside of the pork, the loin. Ham comes from parts taken from the legs or buttocks of the pig.
Is Canadian bacon healthier than regular bacon?
Yes. Canadian bacon is considered healthier than regular bacon because of its lower fat content. It is also said to have higher protein levels than regular bacon.
When did people start eating bacon and eggs?
It is said that most people started eating bacon and eggs for breakfast around 70 years ago when public relations specialist Edward Bernays from the Beech-Nut packing company urged people to eat a heavy breakfast including bacon, eggs, and pancakes for improved health.
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.
Canadian Bacon Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 3 | Friday |
| 2029 | March 3 | Saturday |
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