Crispy, salty smoky bacon is a treasured food for many. But what about that rubbery rind on the edges? While most people nibble off the meaty parts that rind often gets pushed to the side of the plate. Is bacon rind actually edible? Or is it destined for the trash?
Below we’ll explore whether you can eat bacon rind, its nutritional value, preparation methods, recipes, and potential concerns.
Is Bacon Rind Safe to Eat?
The rind surrounding a slice of bacon is 100% edible. It’s made from the same pork belly meat as the rest of the bacon. However it lacks the streaks of lean meat and fat.
Bacon rind is simply the pork skin. Since it’s not exposed to smoke and spices like the meat of the bacon, it has a tougher, chewier texture. But it’s still totally safe and legal to eat.
Some people find they quite enjoy the rind’s unique texture and salty punch of flavor. While others simply can’t get past the chewy feel. It’s a personal preference whether you want to eat the rind or discard it.
Nutritional Value of Bacon Rind
If you do opt to eat bacon rind, here is its nutritional profile according to the USDA:
- Calories: 121 per ounce
- Fat: 9 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbs: less than 1 gram
- Sodium: 621 milligrams
As you can see, bacon rind packs a hefty dose of calories, fat and sodium for a small serving size. The protein content is moderate as well.
However, bacon rind has minimal micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. It shouldn’t be viewed as a nutritious addition to your diet. Bacon rind is more of a treat that offers robust porky flavor.
Preparing Bacon Rind for Consumption
Eating bacon rind straight from the package would be less than satisfying. To make the rind palatable, it needs proper preparation through cooking:
Oven baked: Place rind pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F until crisped, 15-25 minutes.
Pan fried: Fry rind pieces over medium-high heat in oil until browned and crispy, 5-10 minutes.
Air fried: Air fry rind at 380°F until it puffs and becomes crunchy, 8-12 minutes.
Microwaved: Arrange rind between paper towels and microwave until it puffs up, 1-2 minutes.
The key is crisping up the rind to transform the texture. This renders fat and gives it a satisfying crunch when bitten. Well-cooked rind should be crackly and brittle.
Tasty Ways to Use Bacon Rind
Once you’ve turned that rubbery raw rind into crunchy bacon crackling, what can you do with it? Here are some tasty ways to use bacon rind:
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Crumble it on salads for a smoky, salty topping.
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Toss crispy bits into scrambled eggs or omelets.
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Sprinkle over pork chops or roast chicken for extra flavor.
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Mix into ground pork or turkey for savory meatloaf or burgers.
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Cook beans, stews or soups with a piece for smoky richness. Remove before serving.
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Use as a garnish over mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
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Crush finely and use for breading on fried chicken, fish filets or onion rings.
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Make candied bacon rind by coating baked pieces with brown sugar or maple syrup.
With its bold bacon essence, crispy rind can amplify both sweet and savory dishes. Get creative with this porky ingredient!
Potential Concerns About Eating Bacon Rind
While perfectly safe when cooked properly, eating bacon rind may pose a few potential downsides:
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High in sodium – The salt content can aggravate conditions like high blood pressure.
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High in saturated fat – The fat content may increase cardiovascular disease risk.
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Nitrates – Bacon can contain added nitrates that convert to nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
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Preservatives – Bacon often contains the preservative sodium nitrite, which may cause reactions for sensitive individuals.
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Choking hazard – The crunchy, brittle texture may pose a choking risk for children, elderly or impaired. Supervise carefully.
To mitigate concerns, moderate your overall bacon rind intake and enjoy as part of a balanced, healthy diet. And opt for high-quality bacon without chemical preservatives when possible.
Can Dogs Eat Bacon Rind?
Many pet owners wonder – can I share a taste of that irresistible bacon with my dog? In moderation, bacon rind is fine for dogs as an occasional treat.
It’s best to bake or boil the rind first to soften it up and render fat, rather than giving it raw. Monitor your dog closely the first time to ensure they can tolerate it.
Smaller dogs should be limited to a quarter inch square piece at most to avoid choking. And don’t make bacon rind a regular doggy snack, as the salt content can be problematic over time.
Is Bacon Rind Keto or Paleo?
For those following low carb, high fat diets, you may be wondering if bacon rind is keto or paleo approved. The answer is yes – it fits right in with both lifestyles.
Bacon rind is nearly pure fat with minimal carbs or protein. This makes it an excellentaddition for keto dieters needing more fat. And on paleo diets that exclude processed foods, pastured pork and bacon rind are often embraced.
So feel free to enjoy crispy bacon rind on a low carb meal plan – just account for the salty impact. And as always, fat intake should come from a mix of plant and animal sources for overall good health.
Should You Remove Bacon Rind Before Cooking?
This comes down to personal preference. Those who don’t wish to eat the rind can simply cut or peel it off prior to cooking their bacon.
Some benefits of removing rind include:
- Avoid wasted bacon if others won’t eat rind
- Eliminate need to prep rind separately
- Reduce fat and sodium if you trim rind
- Improve bacon sandwich experience with no chewy bits
However, leaving rind on does provide some advantages:
- Rendered fat can baste the bacon while cooking
- Rind helps keep bacon flat and straight while cooking
- Cooked rind provides ready-to-eat crispy snack
- No waste from peeling away and discarding rind
Do what works best for your taste and cooking style! There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to rind preferences.
Should You Eat Bacon Rind?
While eating bacon rind may not suit every palate, it can be a delicious treat when cooked up crunchy. If you’re trying it for the first time, fry up some test pieces to see if you enjoy the texture and flavor.
Bacon rind also comes with the benefit of reducing food waste by utilizing the entire pork belly. Just be mindful of the high sodium content and avoid overindulging.
So don’t let that bacon rind go to waste next time – turn it into a crispy garnish and welcome it to your plate! With an open mind to new textures, you may discover an unexpected new bacon-y treat.
