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Does anybody know why it is so hard to buy back bacon in America? I think when it does exist it is called Canadian bacon, though I don't know the reason for this.

I have recently moved here from England and one of the things I am really missing is 'proper' bacon. Why does the UK get both back and streaky bacon, and the US only gets streaky bacon? I am managing to substitute for most recipes, but streaky just isn't the same on a buttie or as part of a fry-up.

So what is the history behind this? And does anyone know any secret sources of back bacon in California?!

flag	asked Feb 24 at 20:53 Ikkle Becca 1,891●2●9

Sabrina · Accepted Answer · 2010-03-08 07:41:18Z UTC

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I'd probably start by asking the butcher at your local grocery store. It has been my experience many grocery stores will special order things that their customers suggest.

I know you can buy small round pieces of Canadian Bacon in packages in the same isle in the grocery store as the pepperoni. I buy it when I'm making pizza. But I have never seen it in strips before. I'd totally buy it in strips. I'd much rather a bacon with less fat on it! :)

answered Mar 8 at 7:41

Sabrina♦
1,423●1●11

Ooh, perhaps I can do that. I know one store which 'might' be accommodating, though I fear it will still be an expensive luxury and not a regular feature of weekend breakfasts. And yes, given that it has much less fat on it, I am surprised it is so rare. – Ikkle Becca Mar 8 at 17:24

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You should ask all the stores in your area, you never know! I've had regular run of the mill grocery stores order things for me with no extra charge and then they continue to stock them for everyone. Most grocery stores have comment/suggestion cards at the customer service desk too. :) – Sabrina♦ Mar 9 at 8:16

Elizra · Answer 2 · 2010-02-24 23:53:32Z UTC

Here's what wikipedia says about back bacon:

Back bacon comes from the loin in the middle of the back of the pig. It is a very lean, meaty cut of bacon, with less fat compared to other cuts. It has a ham-like texture. Most bacon consumed in the United Kingdom is back bacon. Americans may call this cut Irish bacon or Canadian bacon.

Yep, the pic I found looks like Canadian Bacon, which we always ate as a breakfast ham. You should be able to find Canadian bacon in California because I've had it here in Central PA.
Being the American I am, I would be as equally as lost as you are now if I couln't find streak bacon but could only find what I thought was ham. LOL. Hope you can find what you are looking for.

Back versus streaky bacon

2 Answers