Bacon isn’t for everyone. That’s exactly why I wrote Farmland Foods…
Dear Those that make it Possible for Others to Bring Home the Bacon:
I know you’re “The Bacon Experts.” It says so on your website, so it must be true or you wouldn’t say it, right? Does Farmland have any plans to ever sell kosher bacon? I believe it’s a relatively untapped market. If it doesn’t fit the Farmland line, perhaps you could introduce it under something like a Farmstein brand.
I happen to know many Jewish people who eat bacon, but then feel terribly guilty afterwards. It’s like their parents drummed it into their heads when they were small children not to eat pig products or they’d start suffering from angina shortly after their Bar Mitzvah.
I’m not sure why Jewish people don’t eat bacon. As bacon authorities, do you? I think part of the problem is that pigs are hoofed animals that eat just about anything. It might be as simple as hosing them down better, putting them on a strictly deli diet (corned beef, pastrami, kishke, derma, etc.) and making sure none of the hoof meat gets into the bacon. Then again, it could be because pigs are susceptible to many diseases and can give people Trichinosis. Either way, please consult a Rabbi if you move forward with kosher bacon because I really have no idea what I’m talking about.
I’ve met people who are bigger pigs than pigs. Ironic, isn’t it? So, what do you think — any chance of kosher bacon one day?
A Consumer Relations Representative responded with:
Thank you for contacting Farmland Foods and supporting the Farmland brand. We are so glad you enjoyed our Farmland Hickory Smoked Bacon. It is delicious bacon. Farmland will not be able to introduce a kosher bacon into the retail market as pork is not a kosher meat.
I’ve enclosed some recipes, and other helpful information. Also enclosed are some Farmland coupons to help with your shopping expenses. Have a great day!
Final Thoughts: There you have it, straight from The Bacon Experts’ mouth — real kosher bacon will not be coming to a plate or deli near you. So you might as well just accept this news and file it under “When Pigs Fly.”
Not only are the folks from Farmland experts on bacon, they’re also experts on educating consumers. As part of their reply, they included a library’s worth of information. If you can’t eat bacon or pork products because they’re not kosher, perhaps you’ll enjoy reading about them. Many people who can’t sing still love listening to music. Plenty of individuals who avoid participating in athletics religiously read the sports section. Tons of intellectuals study history and find it rewarding even though they’ve never gone back in time. Here’s what Farmland Foods sent, some of which is posted online:
> Bacon, EXTRA TENDER® Fresh Pork, All Natural Fresh Pork, Ham, Hot Dog, Breakfast Sausage and Dinner Sausage Cooking Instructions
> Buying and preparing pork Frequently Asked Questions
> A USDA Freezing and Food Safety fact sheet
> A printout of “Letting Meat Rest After Cooking”
> Food Storage Guidelines plus Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Times
> “Purchasing Pork: A Consumer Guide To Identifying Retail Pork Cuts”
> Printouts of “A Guide to Buying Fresh Pork” and “An Illustrated Guide to Beef Roasts” from Cook’s Illustrated
> A collection of “Bacon Recipe Contest” winners & special selections and “Harvest of Ham Recipes”
Plus, two $1.00 Off, two 75¢ Off and four 55¢ Off coupons on ONE package of any Farmland product.
There are many reasons why bacon isn’t kosher. But like bacon, there is also a buffet of kosher foods Jewish people should avoid eating at all costs as well, depending on which relative is doing the cooking. If kosher laws don’t apply to you, or you choose not to observe them and aren’t afraid of being struck down by lightning, the next time you crave bacon consider frying up some from Farmland Foods. Although, if you want to see whether the answers served up to your questions by consumer relations are kosher, anyone can do that if they Write The Company.
