what's the difference between spanish 'panceta' and bacon?

Question

i've looked it up and the english translation seems to be streaky bacon though i'm not convinced. panceta tastes different to bacon. any clue? i found stuff about italian 'pancetta' though i couldn't say if it was the same stuff...

Answer 1

Pancetta is an Italian form of bacon. It is pork belly that has been salt cured and spiced, and dried for about three months (but usually not smoked). There are many varieties, and each part of Italy produces its own type. In Corsica, it is considered a regional flavour.

Bacon is defined as any of certain cuts of meat taken from the sides, back or belly of a pig that is cured and possibly smoked. Meat from other animals may also be cured or otherwise prepared to resemble bacon, such as chicken or turkey bacon. In the English-speaking and the Nordic countries, bacon is generally considered a breakfast food, cut into thin slices before being fried or grilled. In most of Europe, it is used primarily in cubes (lardons), as a cooking ingredient valued both as a source of fat and for its flavour. In Italy, besides being used in cooking, bacon (pancetta) is also served uncooked and thinly sliced as part of an antipasto. Bacon is also used for barding and larding roasts, especially game birds.

Answer 2

Ok, "bacon" for sure is "tocino".

But “panceta” is slightly different.

This is the definition in my Spanish dictionary for “Panceta”:

Pork bacon with traces of meat, fresh or cured.

This sounds to me like the word in English: “Pancetta”.

In English “Pancetta” means,

Italian bacon that usually has been cured with salt and spices rather than by smoking

Answer 3

Pancetta is an Italian bacon. Prosciutto is an Italian ham. I just learned that you can parboil the pancetta very little, and the salt will come out of it. Then you can use it in cooking soups, pasta fagiole or anything – and the taste will still be great! I have used them, but not one in place of the other. I have, however, used sopresatta in place of pancetta. Sopresatta is a type of salami. Regular bacon is hickory smoked, but none of the Italian meats are.

Answer 4

The spanish panceta is not smoked and bacon is.. hope that helps