Food Encyclopedia

Canadian bacon

Called back bacon in Canada, this lean smoked meat is a closer kin to ham than it is to regular bacon. It's taken from the lean, tender eye of the loin, which is located in the middle of the back. Canadian bacon comes in cylindrical chunks that can be sliced or cut in any manner desired. It costs more than regular bacon, but it's leaner and precooked (meaning less shrinkage) and therefore provides more servings per pound. It can be fried, baked, barbecued or used cold as it comes from the package in sandwiches and salads.