>>7006857I agree that a lot of store bought bacon is just injected with smoke, but they still cook it in an oven. It isn't raw. I know, it seems like floppy uncooked meat, but is not.
I'm not trying to be a know it all. I've been working in kitchens for 20 years and it only occurred to me a few years ago when the health department pointed out to me that I needed to store my bacon ABOVE the raw meats because ... it is cooked.
And then I started making my own. If you buy a raw pork belly, you will quickly see the difference between raw and cooked.
I wouldn't eat it without rendering the fat out, though. The slices are too thick and it isn't cured long enough for even a thin slice to have that fat melt on your tongue like the fat on prosciutto does.
>>7006494I actually cold smoke mine and then finish it in an oven.
