When it comes to iconic American foods, few can rival the quirky charm and delicious mystery of Taylor’s Pork Roll. This beloved New Jersey staple has been tantalizing taste buds since the 19th century, but how much do you really know about its storied past? From its humble beginnings in Trenton to its status as a breakfast legend, Taylor’s Pork Roll is more than just a meat product—it’s a slice of culinary history. Join us as we dive into the savory saga of this unique delicacy, exploring its origins, its rise to fame, and why it continues to hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of so many. Are you ready to learn the history behind John Taylor's invention and -- finally -- put the debate about what its name is and how it got that name?
Get ready for a mouthwatering journey through time!
The Birth of Taylor's Prepared Ham: A Culinary Legend
Picture this: It's 1856 in Trenton, New Jersey, and a savvy state Senator named John Taylor is about to change breakfast forever. Known around Hamilton Square as a shrewd businessman, Taylor concocted a delectable blend of spices, salt, sugar cure, and preservatives, then smoked it to perfection. The result? A mouthwatering meat marvel he proudly dubbed "Taylor’s Prepared Ham."
But wait, the plot thickens! Fast forward to the early 1900s, and the Pure Food and Drug Act swoops in, declaring that Taylor's creation doesn't quite meet the strict definition of "ham." Undeterred, Taylor rebrands his beloved product as the "Original Taylor Pork Roll," and a legend is born. Despite the bureaucratic hiccup, this tube-shaped treat has secured its place in the annals of American culinary history, beloved by breakfast enthusiasts far and wide.
Rebranding a Future Legend
When John Taylor and his company, Taylor Provisions (established in 1939), decided to rebrand their beloved creation as "pork roll," they hoped to corner the market and keep competitors at bay. The plan? Trademark the new name and make Taylor's product the one and only pork roll in town.
But, as with many great plans, things didn't go quite as expected. The trademark attempt fell flat, and soon enough, other companies started rolling out their own versions of the tasty treat. Today, names like Case Pork Company, Mercer Meats, Thumann’s, and Kohler Provisions are all part of the pork roll family. Yet, ask any true New Jerseyan, and they'll tell you Taylor Provisions is the original.
Interestingly, George Washington Case of Case Pork Company began selling his hickory-smoked pork rolls from his Belle Mead farm in Somerset County back in 1870, just over a decade after Taylor's first batch hit the market.
Now, both Taylor Provisions and Case Pork Company call Trenton home, making New Jersey's capital the unofficial epicenter of the great pork roll vs. Taylor ham debate.
Absolutely, here’s a more entertaining version of the phenomenon story:
Becoming a Phenomenon: The Pork Roll Craze
What started as a humble cured meat has now exploded into a statewide sensation, gracing the shelves of nearly every deli in New Jersey. It’s even made its way into Pennsylvania and Maryland, spreading the deliciousness far and wide.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Is it Taylor ham or pork roll? According to Taylor Provisions, the names are interchangeable. In North Jersey, it’s proudly called Taylor ham, while South Jersey and Philadelphia stick to pork roll.
The debate over what to call this salty breakfast delight is still sizzling, and in New Jersey, saying “both are correct” just won’t cut it. But fear not, for Peter Genovese offers a nugget of wisdom in Thrillist: All Taylor ham is pork roll, but not all pork roll is Taylor ham. In other words, thanks to competing brands, you can have pork roll that’s not Taylor ham, but Taylor ham will always be pork roll.
So What is it?
People will call it what they call it... but today, the proper name is Pork Roll - much like you make copies, not Xeroxes. If Taylor had his way, it would have been called Taylor's Prepared Ham - but since it was not actually ham, he did not get his way.
One thins is for sure: New Jersey is undeniably the Taylor ham/pork roll capital of the United States, and probably the world. Trenton, USA - Pork Roll Capital of the World!
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Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society. He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom. He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels. His baseball career spanned almost 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and experience in MLB. He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.
