A few months ago when shopping for bacon in a small town on our travels, the store had very little choice. But they did have factory sealed packs of "Budget bacon" at onlly $12 a kg (regular price). I could not see any difference visually, so bought a pack. But on cooking, it had a stronger smell, and eating it was worse.
That was when I discovered the existence of boar taint. I froze the rest of the pack and when we got home, gave it to a family member who did not notice the smell. But for me, the effects are still apparent some months later. Whenever I have pork products, the recollection of that smell is invoked and I don't enjoy it as much. No doubt it will diminish with time, but since then I studiously avoid any pork products that appear to be in the cheaper range, or less well known brands that don't have a reputation to uphold.
For those who don't know about it, the boar taint is caused by hormones in male pigs that have not been castrated early in life. Some people are more susceptible to it than others.
Anyone else been repulsed by this and have longer term aversion to pork as a result?
-- Edited by Are We Lost on Sunday 21st of July 2024 12:57:50 PM
I would hazard a guess that most of our bacon is imported. In the supermarket delis have you noticed the signs "Made in Australia from at least 18% local product". Perhaps the 18% Australian content is the water pumped into it and the smoke flavour.
My preferred bacon is Bertochi in 400g packs. It's gone up about 50% in the last couple of years but not hugely more expensive. And it's 100% Australian product. As per my starting comment I only bought the budget bacon because the choices were very slim. And now the remembered aroma and taste plays on my mind every time I taste bacon.
I think its the same regardless of origin. If it comes from boars that are a little long in the tooth, what are the growers to do with them. Sell them of course. Increases Profits. Bit like the lamb. They have extended the term "lamb" to an extra tooth which is just short of mutton. More profit for everyone. Too bad for the consumer. They pay for rubbish.
When my back problem struck I ended up with both physical and mental issues. I lost my appetite eating next to nothing. Became very picky at what I would eat. I wouldn't eat red meats. Cow, sheep and pig was off the menu. I couldn't stand the smell and taste of fats. Especially with pig fats. The thought of it made me feel quite ill. Drove the wife batty as if she was cooking it I could smell it. After what could have been 4 years or so I was back to normal though I still have to cut the fats off before I stick a piece in the gob.
