Unofficially, it's New Jersey's state meat.
In some parts of New Jersey, it's referred to as pork roll, but in other areas it's known as Taylor Ham. And, those who hail from areas outside of the New York metro or Delaware Valley regions likely don't have a name for it at all.
If you're from New Jersey and you eat meat, it's a safe bet that you've tried pork roll, or, if you prefer, Taylor Ham. And whether you enjoy it on a roll or a bagel with egg and cheese or on a plate as a "side," you've probably gotten funny looks if you've tried to order it anywhere else in the country.
Pork roll on a breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese has long been a standard portable breakfast in New Jersey. Star-Ledger archive photo Unofficially, it's New Jersey's state meat.
John Taylor, a Hamilton Township native, is said to have invented it in 1856, but an old pamphlet from Taylor Provisions, the Trenton-based company that makes the meat, traces packed minced ham to the Revolutionary War.
George Washington Case of Belle Mead came up with his own recipe in 1870 and that eventually became the Case Pork Roll Co.
Three companies in Mercer County produce the bulk of the product sold - Taylor, Case and Loeffler's Gourmet. A handful of smaller companies make a similar product, but none are located farther west or south than eastern Pennsylvania.
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.
