Can You Eat Bacon Raw

Bacon is a type of meat that comes from pigs. It is usually cured and smoked. Bacon is often used as an ingredient in other foods such as breakfast cereals, salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts, and even pizza toppings.

Bacon is also known as back bacon, belly bacon, Canadian bacon, center-cut bacon, country-style bacon, English bacon, fatty pork, ham, hot dog, pancetta, pork loin, pork sausage, pork shoulder, pork steak, pork tenderloin, prosciutto, salt pork, streaky bacon, slab bacon, thick-cut bacon, and wafer bacon.

The word “bacon” has been derived from the Old French baco meaning fat or grease. The first written record of this name was found on a document dated 1275 AD. In the 15th century England, it became popular for its use in cooking. By the 1650s, people started using the term ‘back bacon’ instead of just bacon. This new usage spread across Europe and America during the 17th century.

Bacon is delicious and has been around for centuries. It’s also high in fat and calories. So, if you’re looking to cut back on your bacon intake, you might want to think twice before eating it raw.

Raw bacon contains nitrates and nitrites, which are compounds that can cause cancer. So, if you eat it raw, you could be increasing your risk of developing cancer.

However, there are ways to enjoy bacon without consuming too much of it. In fact, there are several health benefits to eating bacon raw.

Can You Eat Bacon Raw?

No, you cannot consume bacon raw because it will not taste good at all. However, you may still benefit from some of the nutrients contained within it.

You should always cook bacon thoroughly so that any harmful bacteria present in uncooked bacon does not make its way into your food. Cooked bacon tastes better than raw bacon anyway.

Cooking bacon makes sure that no dangerous substances remain inside the meat. Cooking also helps remove excess fats and cholesterol. If you do decide to eat cooked bacon, then you need to ensure that you don’t overcook it. Cooking bacon until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that it remains safe to eat.

If you prefer to have bacon with less fat, then try removing most of the fat by slicing the bacon very thinly. Then, place slices between two pieces of paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds per side.

This process removes almost half of the fat content while leaving behind plenty of flavors. Bacon should never be eaten uncooked or undercooked. Toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, and tapeworms are among the viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can be found in it.

Cooking the bacon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or until crisp destroys the bacteria and reduces the risk of food poisoning. It is recommended that you avoid eating raw bacon unless you know exactly what you are doing. There are many different types of bacteria that live naturally in the intestines of animals like cows and pigs. These bacteria can survive when they come into contact with certain meats. When these bacteria enter our bodies through contaminated food, we get sick.

So, if you choose to eat raw bacon, you must take precautions to prevent getting ill. Always wash hands after handling raw meat products. These are some of the illnesses you will get if you eat raw bacon.

Toxoplasmosis

It is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. People who become infected usually show symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, loss of appetite, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Some people develop eye problems including blurred vision, red eyes, pain, and sensitivity to light.

Trichinosis

It is caused due to infection with Trichinella spiralis larvae. The disease causes severe abdominal cramps, weakness, weight loss, and sometimes death. Symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, headaches, backaches, joint pains, and swelling around the mouth.

Tapeworms

They are parasitic worms that grow up to 10 inches long. Tapeworm eggs hatch in the intestine where they mature into adult worms. This results in intestinal blockage, malnutrition, and even death.

How to handle raw bacon?

Bacon has been known to cause illness because of the presence of toxins and other contaminants. So, before consuming this delicious treat, here’s how to handle raw bacon:

1. Wash Hands After Handling Raw Meat Products

Washing hands immediately after touching raw meat products prevents contamination from spreading to others. Use soap and warm water to cleanse yourself well. Make sure that all surfaces touched by your hand are cleaned properly.

2. Avoid Eating Undercooked Meats

Undercooking meat increases its chances of being harmful to health. Cooked foods stay hot longer than their raw counterparts. Therefore, make sure that you cook any type of meat thoroughly so that there won’t be any chance of bacterial growth.

3. Keep Food Away From Children

Children tend to put everything in their mouths without thinking twice. They may not realize that something could harm them later on. To keep children away from potentially hazardous items, store them out of reach. If possible, place them at least six feet away from kids.

4. Store Foods Properly

Food storage containers need to be kept cool and dry for best quality. Refrigerate cooked foods within two hours of cooking. Also, don’t leave leftovers outside for more than four hours.

5. Don’t Leave Leftover Bacon Outdoors

If you have leftover bacon, wrap it tightly in plastic bags and then seal them inside airtight containers. Place them in the refrigerator right away. Do not let them sit outdoors overnight.

6. Clean Up Your Kitchen Immediately

After preparing meals, always wipe down kitchen counters and utensils using disinfectant wipes. Wipe off cutting boards too. Then, throw away anything used during preparation.

How to Cook Bacon Properly?

Cooking bacon can help reduce the risks associated with eating undercooked meats. Here are some tips when cooking bacon:

Always Check Cooking Times

Always check the package instructions carefully before starting to cook bacon. Follow these guidelines if you’re unsure about what time to start frying or baking bacon:

• For fresh pork belly strips, fry until crisp.

• For thick-cut smoked bacon, bake until crispy or grill until the desired degree of doneness.

Use a Thermometer

Thermal probes come in handy when checking whether food is done enough. Insert one probe deep into the center of each piece of bacon. When inserted correctly, the thermometer should read 165°F.

Don’t Over Fry

Overflying bacon makes it tough and chewy. It also reduces its nutritional value. Always use an instant-read digital thermometer to ensure proper temperature.

Keep Bacon Crisp

To prevent overcooking, cover the pan while heating up. This will allow heat to circulate evenly throughout the entire surface area. Once heated through, remove the lid and continue cooking until the desired level of doneness is reached.

Store Bacon Safely

When storing bacon, avoid letting it touch cold objects like ice cubes. Wrap it in paper towels first. The moisture trapped between layers helps maintain crispness.

Conclusion

Bacon has been around since ancient times. However, people didn’t know how to properly prepare this delicious treat back then. Nowadays, we’ve learned many ways to enjoy our favorite breakfast staple. So, next time you want to eat bacon, remember to follow safe practices.