The Taylor Ham-Pork Roll DMZ of New Jersey

If you are not from the East Coast or spent time here, the above headline may be incredibly inscrutable. I will give you a TL;DR and hope you will still read on.

New Jersey State Senator and salted meat entrepreneur John Taylor unveiled a Taylor's Prepared Ham in 1856, a minced ham that captured the hearts and minds of 19th century New Jerseyans.

It existed as such until 1906, when the FDA decided that ham was a specific cut of pork, and Taylor's Ham did not cut it. Adhering to the linguistic police, Taylor changed the name to Pork Roll, which is it officially called ever since.

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The History of Pork Roll/Taylor Ham - Pete and Elda’s Bar / Carmen’s Pizzeria

The early history of pork roll is unclear. It’s possible that New Jersey’s favorite breakfast meat has origins in the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Trenton. Visir out blog to learn more!

Pete and Elda's Bar / Carmen's PizzeriaFredStrahl4

](https://peteandeldas.com/2018/01/history-pork-roll-taylor-ham/)

But what exists on a package and what people will heed are two separate things. The FDA is in its haste did not think about the people who grew up referring to their beloved Taylor's Ham.

Should you find yourself in one of the myriad Northern New Jersey county diners, bagel shops, or delis, you will find a cornucopia of breakfast sandwiches suspended in time, offering cheese and egg and Taylor Ham.

Should you then take a journey down south to the Shore, looking to continue a bender of incredibly unhealthy, but delicious meat sandwich bliss, you will scan a menu in vain for your favored Taylor Ham. In its place, an offer for Pork Roll.

Here's what I can tell you.

The originator of this craze, called The Taylor Provisions Company, is still in existence and proudly proclaiming they are the king.

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The Taylor Provisions Company - The Original Taylor Pork Roll