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INTERNATIONAL BACON DAY

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The first Saturday in September is International Bacon Day and a day to enjoy all things bacon! This delicious food holiday is a favorite because bacon makes everything better!

There are so many things we can say about bacon and the flavor it adds to dishes. Today, we are reminding everyone that bacon is not just a breakfast food, but also a great way to add delicious flavor to any recipe.

Bacon Backstory

Bacon is pork cured in salt made from cuts of the belly or back of a pig. Curing pork dates back thousands of years. During ancient times, Chinese, Egyptian, and Roman cultures all had methods for preserving pork. However, Romans recieve credit for sharing their knowledge of curing pork calling their bacon “petaso.” As cured pork expanded throughout Europe, the meat became a staple to families because of the ability to preserve it easily.

European settlers brought their pork curing techniques to America the same time the first settlers arrived. However, the meat was much saltier and leaner than what they would eat in Europe. During the 19th and 20th centuries, meat production began to expand to the general public. Brining and smoking bacon became widely acceptable in mass production, making the distribution of bacon much easier. Today, bacon plays a significant roll in American cuisine.

5 Bacon Festivals in the U.S.

  1. Bacon Fest, Pennsylvania
  2. Bourbon and Brews Festival, Kansas
  3. Bacon & Beer Festival, New Hampshire
  4. Bacon Bash, Texas
  5. Memphis Flyer Bacon & Bourbon, Tennessee

Did You Know?

Bacon is one of the most popular and recognizable meat products around the world and is known for its distinctive savory and smoky flavor.

Are there different types of bacon? Yes! Here the 4 common types of bacon throughout the world:

  1. American bacon is the most well-known bacon type. It’s made from pork belly and contains both meat and fat. This type of bacon becomes crispy after cooking.
  2. Canadian bacon is made from the lean parts of the pig. Normally, Canadian bacon is similar to ham in flavor and appearance.
  3. Pancetta is an Italian bacon made with salt and spices that can be eaten cooked or uncooked. People often use pancetta in sandwiches, but also in some dishes.
  4. Guanciale is another Italian bacon commonly used in carbonara and amatriciana. This type of bacon is the fattiest of all other bacon types and is probably most flavorful.

Bacon adds rich flavor and versatility to cooking by enhancing the dishes it is added to. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a savory ingredient, or as a guilty pleasure, bacon remains a favorite food around the globe.

HISTORY BEHIND INTERNATIONAL BACON DAY

Each year on the first Saturday in September we celebrate International Bacon Day as a way to indulge and enjoy bacon. We plan on starting our day with bacon and eggs, have a bacon sandwich for a mid morning snack, and eat a BLT for lunch. Then, we will likely eat a bacon-inspired pasta for dinner with a bacon infused dessert. Later in the evening, we are going to relax with a nice Bloody Mary with bacon garnish.

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Salami Day

Bologna Day

Corned Beef Hash Day

Cold Cuts Day

International Bacon Day

Wiener Schnitzel Day

Sloppy Joe Day

National Sausage Month

National Meatball Day

Bacon Day

Pigs in a Blanket Day

6 INTERNATIONAL BACON DAY CELEBRATION IDEAS

International Bacon Day is a time to savor the delight of delicious bacon! Embrace your joy for bacon today by having fun with today’s food holiday.

  1. Host a bacon-everything breakfast by adding bacon to your eggs, pancakes, or omelets. You can also make breakfast burritos or add bacon to your waffle batter.
  2. Experiment with bacon in a new recipe or add it to a favorite one you already make.
  3. Cook different types of bacon and have a bacon tasting party with your family and friends. We recommend adding Applewood -smoked, maple-glazed, or peppered flavor to your menu.
  4. Create the ultimate beverages by adding bacon and other ingredients. In fact, we hear adding bacon as a garnish to a Bloody Mary is delicious!
  5. Find a local bakery or specialty bacon shop that offers a variety of bacon flavors. This might be a great way to treat yourself to a better quality bacon versus buying bacon in the grocery store.
  6. Share your love for bacon on social media using the tag #InternationalBaconDay.

Funny shh i smell bacon, International Bacon Day T-Shirt#InternationalBaconDay
Funny shh i smell bacon, International Bacon Day T-Shirt
The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish - Makes Crispy Bacon in Minutes - Simple, Quick, and Easy to Use - Reduces Fat Content for a Healthier Meal - Molded in The USA#InternationalBaconDay
The Original Makin Bacon Microwave Bacon Dish – Makes Crispy Bacon in Minutes – Simple, Quick, and Easy to Use – Reduces Fat Content for a Healthier Meal – Molded in The USA
PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill, White – Nonstick, Easy-Clean Design, 1 Piece#InternationalBaconDay
PrepSolutions Microwavable Bacon Grill, White – Nonstick, Easy-Clean Design, 1 Piece
The Bacon Bible: More Than 200 Recipes for Bacon You Never Knew You Needed #InternationalBaconDay
The Bacon Bible: More Than 200 Recipes for Bacon You Never Knew You Needed

NATIONAL CHEESE PIZZA DAY

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On September 5th, National Cheese Pizza Day says, “Hold the toppings!” That’s right, cheese is all you need when celebrating this pizza holiday. Whether the pie is homemade or ordered in, make it cheese only. 

Add a variety of cheeses to your pie to celebrate. Smokey gouda or a little gorgonzola might mix it up. If you like a little cheddar, mild or sharp shredded across the top will do. Debates prevail over thin or thick crust. However, that debate is for another day. The cheese holds the spotlight on this occasion. In fact, thin-crust doesn’t even have a day. How did that happen? However, deep-dish does. Check out April 5th for more information about it. And National Pizza Day gets piping hot on February 9th. 

I Love National Cheese Pizza Day Shirt#NationalCheesePizzaDay
I Love National Cheese Pizza Day Shirt
National Cheese Pizza Day Food Lover Pizza Baker Premium T-Shirt#NationalCheesePizzaDay
National Cheese Pizza Day Food Lover Pizza Baker Premium T-Shirt
16" Pizza Cutter Rocker Blade by KitchenStar - Sharp Stainless Steel Slicer Knife w Protective Cover, Dishwasher Safe Pizza Oven Accessories, Silver#NationalCheesePizzaDay
16″ Pizza Cutter Rocker Blade by KitchenStar – Sharp Stainless Steel Slicer Knife w Protective Cover, Dishwasher Safe Pizza Oven Accessories, Silver
PIEZANO Crispy Crust Pizza Oven by Granitestone – Electric Pizza Oven Indoor Portable, 12 Inch Indoor Pizza Oven Countertop, Pizza Maker Heats up to 800˚F for Stone Baked Pizza at Home As Seen on TV…#NationalCheesePizzaDay
PIEZANO Crispy Crust Pizza Oven by Granitestone – Electric Pizza Oven Indoor Portable, 12 Inch Indoor Pizza Oven Countertop, Pizza Maker Heats up to 800˚F for Stone Baked Pizza at Home As Seen on TV…

We do know a few things about pizza in general, though. In ancient Greece, they covered their bread with oils, herbs and cheese. Many believe this to be the beginning of the pizza. In Byzantine Greek the word was spelled πίτα, or pita, meaning pie. The Romans also developed a version of the pizza pie. Using bay leaves for flavoring, the Romans topped the dough with cheese and honey. 

When it comes to the modern pizza, we turn to Italy. Their Neapolitan flatbread created the beginnings of the pizza we know and love today. It was topped with mozzarella cheese made from high-quality buffalo milk. 

In the United States, we love our pizzas, especially cheese pizza. In 1997, it’s estimated the United States produced more than 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese. That’s a lot of cheese! Our passion for pizza began in 1905 when the first pizza eaty oped in New York’s Little Italy. It’s been a cheese love affair ever since. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheesePizzaDay

Order up or bake up your own cheese pizza to celebrate! Take a pizza poll to find out who makes the best cheese pizza in your state. Test out a new recipe or try one of these below. Have a cheese pizza party. Invite friends over to make their favorite cheese pizzas and enjoy each other’s company. You can even try to break a world record. Make the largest cheese pizza or the thinnest.

While you can make the pizza at home don’t forget to give a shout out to your favorite pizzeria. Whether they service it by the slice or you order up a whole pizza, you know they make it with love.

Use #NationalCheesePizzaDay to post on social media.

Amazon Fresh, Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza#NationalCheesePizzaDay
Amazon Fresh, Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza
Chef Boyardee Cheese Pizza Maker, 31.85 oz#NationalCheesePizzaDay
Chef Boyardee Cheese Pizza Maker, 31.85 oz
Betty Crocker Pizza Crust Mix, Makes One 12-inch Crust#NationalCheesePizzaDay
Betty Crocker Pizza Crust Mix, Makes One 12-inch Crust
Keto Pizza Crust - Low Carb and Keto Friendly - Only 1g Net Carbs - Incredible Taste and Texture - Zero Sugar - Just Add Water and Oil - Keto Has Never Been So Easy - Keto Food - No Almond Flour (7.6oz Mix) (3-Pack) #NationalCheesePizzaDay
Keto Pizza Crust – Low Carb and Keto Friendly – Only 1g Net Carbs – Incredible Taste and Texture – Zero Sugar – Just Add Water and Oil – Keto Has Never Been So Easy – Keto Food – No Almond Flour (7.6oz Mix) (3-Pack)

NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

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When the sun is blazing high in the sky, National Lemon Juice Day comes along just in time to bring a refreshing squeeze to just about anything. On August 29th, celebrate with a tart drop of lemon juice in your cooking, beverages, or freshen up the world around you.

These brightly colored sour fruits originated in the Himalayan Mountains millions of years ago. However, they have evolved since then, and today the citrus fruit is grown commercially in temperate climates. In the United States, California and Arizona produce more lemons than any other state.

Why Lemon Juice?

Why do we love lemons so much? Is it because we enjoy watching a baby’s face scrunch up at their first taste of the lemon juice? Well, we do, but that’s not the only reason. In cooking, the acid in lemon juice enhances the flavors. Add lemon juice to a salad dressing, and suddenly your salad goes from ho-hum to wow! In a sauce, the addition of lemon juice will transform it from being something that drowns a meal to something that brightens it. This one ingredient can save an entire dish.

The same applies to beverages. Lemon juice adds punch to teas, soda, and even water. But it also adds an extra level of flavor for mixed drinks. Bourbon, tequila, gin, cognac, vodka. They all have recipes that call for lemon juice, and that’s because, without it, the drink would be missing a vital element to the cocktail. Every bartender worth their salt has fresh lemons behind the bar. Alternatively, when paired with honey and a hot beverage, lemon juice soothes a sore throat and cough.

But lemon juice doesn’t stop there. No way. This powerhouse also makes us and our homes look good, too. Everything from home remedies to cleansers using lemon juice can be found on the internet. While you might not want to use fresh lemons (save those for the cooking and beverages), you can use bottled to save a few pennies. The fresh scent of lemon will also lift your mood as you brighten your pots and pans, clean your pores and windows and make your garbage disposal smell fresh again. While you’re at it, you should probably pour yourself a chilled glass of lemonade, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

Squeeze yourself some lemons. Reap the benefits of this refreshingly versatile fruit. There are so many ways to celebrate, too! Where will you start?

Give a baby a slice of lemon. Stop by your favorite bakery for the best lemon baked goods. You know, lemon meringue pie, lemon poppy seed muffins, or lemon pound cake with a lip-puckering icing.Try your hand at making limoncello. It takes time and patience, but it is also one very satisfying experience when done correctly. If you start now and make enough, you can give some of it away as Christmas gifts!

Celebrate the bright, beautiful freshness of lemon juice by using #NationalLemonJuiceDay on social media.

Zulay Kitchen Metal 2-in-1 Lemon Squeezer - Sturdy Max Extraction Hand Juicer Lemon Squeezer Gets Every Last Drop - Easy to Clean Manual Citrus Juicer - Easy-Use Lemon Juicer Squeezer - Yellow/Green#NationalLemonJuiceDay
Zulay Kitchen Metal 2-in-1 Lemon Squeezer – Sturdy Max Extraction Hand Juicer Lemon Squeezer Gets Every Last Drop – Easy to Clean Manual Citrus Juicer – Easy-Use Lemon Juicer Squeezer – Yellow/Green
Elite Gourmet ETS623 BPA-Free Electric Citrus Juicer, Compact, Large Volume, Pulp Control, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits with Easy Pour Spout, 24oz, Black/Stainless Steel#NationalLemonJuiceDay
Elite Gourmet ETS623 BPA-Free Electric Citrus Juicer, Compact, Large Volume, Pulp Control, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits with Easy Pour Spout, 24oz, Black/Stainless Steel
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly 100% Lemon Juice, Bottle#NationalLemonJuiceDay
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly 100% Lemon Juice, Bottle
TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets#NationalLemonJuiceDay
TRUE LEMON Water Enhancer, Bulk Dispenser, 100 Count (Pack of 1), 0 Calorie Drink Mix Packets For Water, Sugar Free Lemon Flavoring Powder Packets

Lemon Juice FAQ

Q. When are lemons in season?
A. Most lemon trees produce fruit all year long.

Q. How many calories are in lemon juice?
A. One tablespoon of lemon juice contains 3 calories.

Q. How does lemon juice prevent fruits from browning?
A. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that causes fruit to brown.

NATIONAL PEACH DAY

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August 27 is National Peach Day, celebrate one of summertime’s most scrumptious fruits known as the peach! August is prime peach season in the U.S. and we want everyone to enjoy a few peaches, plus remember the hardworking peach growers who provide us with this delicious fruit.

Summertime brings plenty of opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits, especially a flavorful, juicy peach. Local farmers’ markets and orchids are busy picking peaches to deliver to anxious peach lovers. Whether you enjoy a peach by itself or use your peaches for canning and baking, National Peach Day is here to encourage you to celebrate this wonderful food holiday.

Brief History of Peaches in the U.S.

The history of the peach begins in China and Central Asia dating back 4,000 years. However, peaches were not just a delicious food, they were also an expensive and highly traded commodity along the ancient Silk Road in Asia. The Silk Road is one of the most important trade routes in history that allowed for goods to be transported between East and West Asia. Transporting peaches on the Silk Road led to introducing the fruit to other parts of the country, and eventually the world.

Peaches made their way to the U.S. some time during the 17th century. Settlers from Europe and Spain began cultivating peaches upon arrival. However, it’s uncertain who receives credit for introducing them first. Spanish explorers and missionaries were known to bring peach pits to Florida and Southwest and planting them. English settlers began cultivating peaches in Virginia around the same time. It’s possible both Spanish and English settlers receive equal credit because of the location they landed and began growing peaches.

The Peach Truck Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for All Things Peach#NationalPeachDay
The Peach Truck Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for All Things Peach
365 Delightful Peach Recipes: More Than a Peach Cookbook#NationalPeachDay
365 Delightful Peach Recipes: More Than a Peach Cookbook
The Perfect Peach: Recipes and Stories from the Masumoto Family Farm [A Cookbook]#NationalPeachDay
The Perfect Peach: Recipes and Stories from the Masumoto Family Farm [A Cookbook]
Peach Cookbook: Beverages, Breakfast Treats, Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Sides, Entrees, Desserts#NationalPeachDay
Peach Cookbook: Beverages, Breakfast Treats, Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Sides, Entrees, Desserts

Production of peaches happens along the south eastern and southern parts of the country. Peach farmers work to provide peach varieties that grow well in different parts of the U.S. Peach farming requires dedication, knowledge, and in-depth management to maintain healthy peach orchids. However, peach farmers are passionate about their work to provide delicious peaches to consumers. They work endless hours growing, managing, and harvesting peaches to transport to markets, grocery stores, and other destinations. Thanks to these hardworking people, we are able to use peaches in dishes, desserts, sauces, and preservatives daily.

Did you know?

In Chinese culture, peaches are a symbol of immortality and longevity.

6 FAVORITE PEACH VARIETIES

  1. Elberta peaches are one of the most popular peaches available. They are juicy and have a sweet, yet tart flavor. Some people say Elberta peaches are the best peaches for canning.
  2. White peaches are pale with creamy skin sweet flesh. They have a strong floral aroma and are often enjoyed in desserts and salads.
  3. Yellow peaches come in shades of orange and yellow and have a classic peach flavor. You can frequently find these peaches grocery stores.
  4. Clingstone peaches come in different sizes and colors. These peaches are a more common peach for making preservatives.
  5. Freestone peaches a popular peach for fresh eating because of their juicy flavor.
  6. Georgia Belle peaches are an early-season peach with a yellowish-red skin and sweet flavor. This peach is normally the first summer peach.

Peaches offer several health benefits. They are low in calories and are a good source of vitamins, including vitamins A and C. They contain beta-carotene and flavonoids, which are beneficial for fighting heart disease and anti-inflammatory disease. Peaches also promote healthy skin and boost the immune system, too. In fact, peaches contain high amounts of antioxidants to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Best of all, eating peaches is twice as good knowing you are promoting good overall health every time you take a bite!

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NATIONAL PEACH DAY CELEBRATION

  1. Visit a peach orchid or a local farmers’ market. Picking your own peaches allows you to choose the ripest and most fragrant peaches.
  2. Try a few recipes using peaches. We recommend trying peach cobbler. It’s quick, easy, and tastes delicious!
  3. Find a peach festival and celebrate with other peach lovers!
  4. Host a peach party! Include a peach theme with as much peach inspired food as possible.
  5. Share your recipes, photos, and peach growing tips on social media and tag #NationalPeachDay to celebrate this yummy food day.
Amazon Fresh, Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Fruit Juice, 15 Oz#NationalPeachDay
Amazon Fresh, Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Fruit Juice, 15 Oz
Waterloo Sparkling Water, Peach Naturally Flavored, 12 Fl Oz Cans (Pack of 12) – Zero Calories and Zero Sugar or Sweeteners of Any Kind#NationalPeachDay
Waterloo Sparkling Water, Peach Naturally Flavored, 12 Fl Oz Cans (Pack of 12) – Zero Calories and Zero Sugar or Sweeteners of Any Kind
DEL MONTE Diced Peaches FRUIT CUP Snacks in 100% Fruit Juice#NationalPeachDay
DEL MONTE Diced Peaches FRUIT CUP Snacks in 100% Fruit Juice
Liquid Death, Rest In Peach Iced Tea, 8-Pack (King Size 19.2oz Cans), Peach Flavored Tea Sweetened With Real Agave, B12 & B6 Vitamins, Low Calorie & Low Sugar#NationalPeachDay
Liquid Death, Rest In Peach Iced Tea, 8-Pack (King Size 19.2oz Cans), Peach Flavored Tea Sweetened With Real Agave, B12 & B6 Vitamins, Low Calorie & Low Sugar