Edible Geek: Computer Helps Calculate 'Math of Crisp Bacon'

by POPSUGAR Tech 6

A pack of University researchers from in the UK have devised a very geeky way to test out bacon, or in their words, make the "perfect bacon butty." Researches found that two or three back bacon rashers should be cooked under a preheated oven grill for seven minutes at about 475F. They tried multiple types and cuts of bacon, cooking techniques, types of oil and a range of cooking times at different temperatures. A shortlist was then tested with computers to measure the texture of each sandwich, reports the BBC.

The 'perfect formula' is:

N = C + {fb(cm) . fb(tc)} + fb(Ts) + fc . ta
N = force in Newtons required to break the cooked bacon.
fb = function of the bacon type.
fc = function of the condiment/filling effect.
Ts = serving temperature.
tc = cooking time.
ta = time or duration of application of condiment/filling.
cm = cooking method.
C = Newtons required to break uncooked bacon.

The experiment took more than 1,000 hours testing 700 variations on the traditional bacon sandwich. I am neither a chef or a bacon eater, but I am more than willing to chaperone or judge Yumsugar's next sandwich making session. Formulas and all.