Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Traditional culture - What is the difference between southern ham and northern bacon?

What is the difference between southern ham and northern bacon?

There are some differences between ham in the south and bacon in the north in terms of production materials, processing technology, flavor and texture.

Southern ham is usually made from high-quality pork leg, which is salted, dried and smoked. The ham is processed at a moderate temperature for a longer period of time to ensure that it is tender and flavorful. The northern bacon is mostly made from pork as the main raw material, after salting, drying and other processes. In contrast, bacon is processed for a relatively short time and at a lower temperature, making it more chewy.

There are also differences in flavor and texture. The southern ham is processed for a long time and smoked in a special way, which makes it taste sweeter and more tender, with a fuller texture. The ham also has a rich aroma from the long fermentation and aging process, making it more flavorful to taste. The northern bacon has a relatively shorter processing time, so its texture is relatively harder and chewier, and it also has a special bacon flavor.

Southern ham and northern bacon are also different in use. Southern ham is often used as the main ingredient of dishes, commonly found in various stir-fries, stews and other dishes, and its delicious taste often enhances the flavor of the whole dish. In the north, bacon is often sliced or shredded and eaten directly as a side dish, and is often found in traditional snacks such as noodles and wontons. Bacon can add layers of flavor and texture to food because of its firmness and savory aroma.

There are some differences between ham in the south and bacon in the north in terms of materials, processing, flavor and use. Ham pays more attention to tenderness, freshness, and is suitable as the main ingredient of the dish; while bacon pays more attention to full-bodied, chewy, and is suitable as a side dish to add layers of food. Whether in the south or north, people on the ham and bacon degree of love are self-evident, each by the local consumers love and praise.