A Food War

New Jersey is home to significant regional divides, particularly between South Jersey and North Jersey (and Central Jersey if one believes this contested area exists). One of the biggest debates among the regions revolves around the name of a processed pork meat. People from North Jersey insist on calling the product Taylor Ham, while people from South Jersey are adamant that it is called pork roll. Central Jersey residents may call it by either name.

John Taylor, the namesake of the popular brand The Original Taylor Pork Roll, allegedly created the meat in Trenton during the early 1900s. The product is a local staple, purchased pre-sliced or in logs. Pork roll can be cooked on a skillet or in the oven as a breakfast meat side dish. Most iconicly, it is the star of the pork roll sandwich, which also includes egg, American cheese and a bagel or bread.