2024.6.4

What is the difference between ham and bacon?

When you are at a supermarket looking at the ham and bacon section side by side, do you ever wonder, what’s the difference? We know that ham and bacon are both pork products,, but we also know that they are different in flavor and texture. This article explains the composition of bacon and ham, the varying manufacturing processes, and some tasty Jones Dairy Farm recipes you can try for your next meal.

What is the difference between ham and bacon?

The key difference between ham and bacon is what part of the pig it’s cut from. Typically, ham comes from the hind leg, and bacon is cut from the back or belly. It’s common in the United States to see strips of bacon with long layers of fat running to the rind which explains the fattiness of the flavor. In Japan, bacon usually contains fewer strips of fat and a less pronounced smoky flavor.

Texture

Ham is one of the most versatile meats to prepare and is usually tender and thinly sliced – especially in Japan. Bacon, on the other hand, is higher in fat. It’s worth noting that bacon in Japan is often pre-cooked and has a ham-like texture to it once cooked on the skillet.

What makes Jones Dairy Farm bacon so special is it is made in the United States and delivers flavors only made possible by naturally smoking with real cherry or hickory woodchips. It’s also dry aged, like an aged steak, for up to three weeks in a dry aging room, which allows water to evaporate resulting in a richer flavor you won’t find anywhere else. You can find it at Costco stores across Japan for a taste of the U.S. at home.

Flavor

No matter how ham is prepared, ham tends to have a milder flavor. Usually, it has a slight underlying sweetness. Due to bacon’s high-fat content, bacon usually has a more robust flavor that tends to be saltier.

Other things to note

Some manufacturers will reconstitute ham and bacon with other smaller parts of the pork or will use a binding agent or additive to create the original taste or texture of the meat. While this is efficient and cheaper, it’s not necessarily the best quality choice. At Jones Dairy Farm, only 100% American pork and minimal ingredients are used for a wholesome and high-quality addition to your table. Jones Dairy Farm never uses filler or cheaper cuts of meat, only high quality, whole muscles.

Manufacturing methods of ham and bacon

Foremost, the best ham or bacon is achieved by choosing the highest quality pork. After careful selection, it’s time for what the manufacturers call the curing process. There are a few ways to cure meat but at the end of the day, (weeks or months to be exact) it’s a crucial process to bring out all the flavor, color, and it helps preserve the meat! There are ways such as adding celery salt or juice, salt, and nitrites to accelerate the process. You can use synthetic cures or natural cures.

Jones Dairy Farm has been committed to making natural and high-quality products ever since the beginning of its business. The no sugar bacon is a perfect option for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on flavor but prefers to choose the healthier choice. Who said it can’t be tasty, just because it’s all-natural?

Types of ham and bacon

It’s no surprise that ham and bacon are both a versatile meat that can be easily prepared and enjoyed at home. There are many different types of bacon around the world, and Japanese bacon is just one of them. Here is an overview of some of our favorite kinds.

Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon

Each slice of Canadian bacon is made from hand-trimmed center-cut pork loin. This Canadian bacon uses all-natural ingredients without any preservatives or added flavors slowly smoked with cherry wood. You can enjoy Canadian bacon straight from the package as a snack or is great with sandwiches too.

Jones Dairy Farm Dry-Aged Bacon

Unlike any bacon you’ve had before, this dry-aged cherrywood bacon is crafted from center-cut, premium pork bellies. To achieve its rich award-winning flavor, this product is smoked over real cherrywood chips for up to 12 hours, then dry-aged in a thoughtful process that can take up to three weeks. Enjoy the taste of true, American bacon.

Jones Dairy Farm Hickory Smoked Ham

Our uncured ham contains no added nitrates or sugar. Flavored simply with salt, herbs, spices and naturally smoked with real hickory chips, this friendly half-sized portion is great for hors d’oeuvres, snacks, picnics and serves as an excellent main dish.

Jones Dairy Farm Hickory Smoked Ham

Jones Dairy Farm No Sugar Bacon

Cut back on sugar without compromising on flavor thanks to our No-Sugar Bacon. Naturally smoked over real, hickorywood chips, we only use premium, center cut slices uniquely dry-aged resulting in pure, authentic U.S. bacon flavor. No sugar, artificial flavors or added nitrates, just, melt-in-the-mouth slices of certified gluten-free bacon that’s allergen and paleo friendly, too. These thinner slice make for quicker cooking.

Jones Dairy Farm ham and bacon recipes

Bacon with Rice Cakes 3 Ways

Looking for new ways to eat rice cakes? Here’s a recipe for rice cakes wrapped in hickory smoked bacon with not only one but three flavor options. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack!

See the full recipe here.

Ham and Cheese Open-Faced Sandwich with Chocolate Sauce

A crowd pleaser during the holiday season or at a picnic. This is an open sandwich made with our all-natural uncured hickory smoked ham and cheese. Topped with a rich and creamy chocolate and balsamic vinegar sauce.

See the full recipe here.