Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon is a popular brand of sliced bacon produced by Smithfield Foods. Bacon is a cured and smoked pork product that is commonly used as a breakfast food or in sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and other dishes. Consumers are often interested in knowing the ingredients in their food, especially processed meats like bacon. Below we will look at the listed ingredients for Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon and what each ingredient’s purpose is.
Ingredients List
According to the Smithfield website, the ingredients listed on the packaging for Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon are:
- Pork bellies cured with:
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Sodium phosphate
- Sodium erythorbate
- Sodium nitrite
Now let’s examine each of these ingredients in more detail:
Pork Bellies
Pork bellies are the cut of meat from the underside of a pig that bacon is made from. So this is the primary ingredient that Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon starts with before curing, smoking, and slicing. The pork provides the meaty flavor and texture that bacon is known for.
Water
Water is added to the pork belly during the curing process. The water helps the cure penetrate deeply into the meat. It also keeps the meat moist.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in bacon. It penetrates the meat, draws out moisture, and gives bacon its signature salty taste. The salt also acts as a preservative.
Sugar
Sugar is also commonly added to bacon cure. Along with complementing the saltiness, the sugar contributes sweetness and caramelized flavor when the bacon is cooked. The sugar helps balance and round out the salty taste.
Sodium Phosphate
Sodium phosphate is added to bacon as a curing agent. It helps the meat retain moisture and prevents it from drying out when cooked. This keeps the bacon tender. Sodium phosphate gives bacon a softer texture.
Sodium Erythorbate
Sodium erythorbate is a curing accelerator. It speeds up the processing time by reacting with the nitrite to cure the meat faster. This allows the bacon to be safely cured in a shorter time.
Sodium Nitrite
Sodium nitrite is arguably the most important ingredient in cured meats like bacon. It prevents bacterial growth and gives bacon its distinctive pink color. Sodium nitrite also produces that beloved bacon flavor during smoking and cooking. It’s what makes bacon taste like bacon!
Nutrition Facts
Now let’s take a look at the nutrition facts for Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon according to the company website:
| Serving Size | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Protein | 5g |
As you can see, two slices of Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon (about 28g) contains 90 calories, 7g of fat, 380mg of sodium, and 5g of protein. The sodium content is quite high, which is expected for a cured and smoked meat like bacon.
Cooking and Storing Bacon
Now that we know what’s in Smithfield bacon, let’s look at some tips for cooking and storing it:
- Store unopened bacon in the refrigerator up to 7 days past the sell-by date. Once opened, use within 7 days.
- Bacon can be eaten raw but tastes best cooked. Fry, bake or microwave for a crispy, flavorful result.
- Drain bacon on paper towels after cooking to remove excess fat.
- Bacon fat can be saved in the refrigerator for up to 1 month to use for cooking eggs, Brussels sprouts, potatoes etc.
- Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months.
- Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge before heating to eat.
Following proper storage methods and cooking techniques helps maximize bacon’s shelf life and flavor.
Conclusion
Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon contains a relatively straightforward list of cured pork belly, water, salt, sugar, sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite. These ingredients work together through brining, smoking, and slicing to produce the tasty bacon that consumers love. While high in sodium and fat, bacon can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Following safe storage and cooking best practices helps keep bacon fresh and delicious. Look for Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon or similar quality brand for great tasting traditional bacon.