WA’s bacon barons

If you’re achin’ for bacon, then get ready for some bacon bliss.

Australian Bacon Week runs from 19-25 June celebrating 100 per cent Australian bacon, but also drawing attention to the competition local bacon faces from imported product.

Australian Pork Limited’s Peter Haydon said bacon was about enjoyment for many people and an integral ingredient of many favourite dishes.

“Bacon is so versatile we find it’s part of dishes from dawn until dusk and from starters to sweets,” Mr Haydon said.

“Bacon made from 100 per cent Australian pork is a high-quality product that many people believe tastes better and Bacon Week is about shining a light on this home-grown product.

Many people are shocked to learn that 72 per cent of bacon sold in Australia is made from imported pork and so it’s also about sharing the tips on how to identify Aussie. The pink PorkMark logo or the words “Product of Australia” mean the bacon is true blue.”

As part of the celebrations, Australia’s bacon was put to the test at the Australian Bacon Awards. Specialist independent judges, including fleishmeister Horst Schurger and chefs Paul McDonald and Simon Bestley individually assessed the appearance, aroma and lean-to-fat ratio of both cooked and raw bacon. The judges unanimously agreed the competition was tough.

Chef Paul McDonald was excited to help consumers identify top-quality Aussie bacon. McDonald said. “Year on year bacon processors up their game and consumer’s win.”

While the title of Australia’s Best Artisan Bacon went to Zammit Ham and Bacon the judges also revealed WA’s top full rasher and short cut bacon.

This year the judges awarded Princi Smallgoods WA’s best full rasher bacon and Mondo Doro best short cut. The winning bacon was described by the judges as having an excellent texture, good lean-to-fat ratio, minimal to no shrinkage and a smooth, well-rounded flavour with just the right amount of smokiness.

Bacon Week’s porky initiatives will flow throughout the week, showcasing a range of innovative products starring bacon.

More information about participating restaurants and recipes are available from pork.com.au.

Full rasher:

1. Princi Smallgoods, Malaga, (08) 9249 7359

2. Reids Meats, Perth, (08) 9364 1142

3. Mondo Doro, Perth, (08) 9242 5445

Short cut:

1. Mondo Doro, Perth (08) 9242 5445

2. Eurostyle Smallgoods, Bibra Lake, (08) 9418 1326

3. Pingelly Quality Meats, Pingelly, (08) 9887 1416