DES MOINES, Iowa, July 6,
2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As pandemic-weary consumers begin to
travel and look for new recipes during a summer that's starting to
feel more "normal," The National Pork Board is encouraging
Americans to let their taste buds explore the most popular pork
dishes in every state. The Pork Board, and the 60,000
U.S. pig farmers it represents, has released the results of a new
consumer survey showing the top pork dishes in each state. These
favorites highlight the unique, diverse and delicious pork flavors
loved by people across the country.
The Pork Board surveyed 100 pork eaters in every U.S. state,
about their favorite pork dishes, with the results revealing how
cultural connections have influenced America's preferences for this
globally popular protein.
"We know ribs and chops will always be staples, but we really
wanted to go beyond specific cuts of meat to better understand how
pork shows up in the favorite traditional dishes across the U.S.,"
said Angie Krieger, vice president
of domestic marketing at the National Pork Board. "There's such a
strong connection between food, culture and regional identity, and
pork clearly has a strong ability to connect us to our heritages,
our traditions and each other. The United States of Pork offers the
opportunity to explore the many flavors and styles of pork, not
only in your state, but across America."
Each state's top pork dish is featured on pork.org/porknation,
where recipes and inspiration are easily found. Whether finding a
local favorite from their state or exploring the flavors of other
areas of the country, home cooks and travel planners alike can find
both familiar and new favorite dishes.
Krieger notes that the list includes a unique blend of
restaurant favorites and traditionally homemade fare.
"Whether you're going to travel the U.S. in person, or want to
explore these flavors at home, the United States of Pork lets everyone 'eat
like a local'," said Krieger. "We're excited to celebrate that and
inspire culinary exploration."
Some interesting trends that emerged from the study include:
Pork's strong connection to regional history
The pork
pasties of South Dakota or
West Virginia's pepperoni rolls
are directly tied to filling hand-held meals for miners. Pork
helped shape the early economies of many U.S. states.
Ethnic influences abound
Many dishes are influenced by the European traditions brought by
early immigrants, as German sausages, pizza, and a variety of
Italian sandwiches demonstrate. But the growing influence of Latino
and Asian cultures cannot be overlooked, especially as the study
dives deeper into the second and third most popular dishes in each
state.
Everyone agrees (and disagrees) on barbecue. And
pizza.
The distinct regional preferences in barbecue styles show how while
we all may disagree on how to prepare it, there's no
disagreement that pork is preferred protein to go low and slow
with. And while Illinois agrees
that Chicago-style deep dish pepperoni pizza is the lake-front
favorite, there will be an eternal debate on which Windy City
establishment crafts the best pie.
Sausage is King
It's loved everywhere. From pepperoni, bratwurst, hot dogs, corn
dogs, reindeer sausage (yes, it's made with pork), to biscuits and
sausage gravy, the savory, indulgent flavors that pork-based
sausages provide are favorites from coast to coast.
"All across the country, people gather around pork," said
Krieger. "Whether it's a farmer in North
Carolina or a family in Oregon sharing a dish that's been handed down
for decades, pork unites us."
The United States of
Pork campaign builds on the National Pork Board's
commitment to consumer outreach efforts. Not only does the
campaign celebrate the authentic flavors of
pork, it creates opportunities to share the U.S. pork
industry's farm-to-fork story with consumers.
As activities come to life, they will be posted at
www.pork.org/porknation and the National Pork
Board's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest accounts.
The most beloved pork dishes in each state are as follows:
Alabama - Biscuits and
Gravy
Alaska - Reindeer Sausage
Arizona - Pork Chimichangas
Arkansas - Biscuits and
Gravy
California - Carnitas
Burrito
Colorado – Green Chile Ribs
Connecticut - The New Englander
Hot Dog
Delaware - Scrapple
Florida - Cubano
Georgia - Low-Country Boil
Hawaii - Manapua
Idaho - Potato Ham Bake
Illinois - Chicago-Style Deep
Dish Pepperoni Pizza
Indiana - Breaded Pork
Tenderloin Sandwich
Iowa - Breaded Pork Tenderloin
Sandwich
Kansas - BLT
Kentucky - Hot Brown
Sandwich
Louisiana - Gumbo
Maine - Maine Italian Sub
Sandwich
Maryland - Stuffed Ham
Massachusetts - Boston Baked
Beans
Michigan – Detroit-Style
Pepperoni Pizza
Minnesota - Swedish
Meatballs
Mississippi - Mississippi Delta
Hot Pork Tamales
Missouri - Barbecue Pork
Steaks
Montana - Pork Chop
Sandwich
Nebraska – Breaded Pork
Tenderloin Sandwich
Nevada - Charcuterie
New Hampshire - Eggs
Benedict
New Jersey - Taylor Ham Pork
Roll Sandwich
New Mexico - Carne Adovada
New York – White Hots
North Carolina - Whole Hog
Barbecue (Eastern-Style)
North Dakota - Pulled Pork
Sandwich
Ohio - Cleveland-Style
Barbecue
Oklahoma - Smoked Bologna
Sandwich
Oregon - Corn Dogs
Pennsylvania - Italian
Hoagie
Rhode Island - Grinders
South Carolina - Pork Hocks
& Collards
South Dakota - Pork Pasties
Tennessee - Memphis Wet
Ribs
Texas - Sausage
Kolaches/Klobasniky
Utah - Green Chile Pork
Tacos
Vermont - Maple Baked Beans
Virginia - Country Ham
Washington - Seafood
Chowder
West Virginia - Pepperoni
Rolls
Wisconsin - Brats
Wyoming - Pig Candy (Candied
Bacon)
About the National Pork Board:
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Pork
Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information
projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public.
The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in consumer
education and marketing, retail and foodservice marketing, export
market promotion, production improvement, science and
technology, swine health, pork safety, and environmental
management and sustainability. For the past half century, the U.S.
pork industry has delivered on its commitment to sustainable
production and has made significant strides in reducing the
environmental impact of pig farming. Through a legislative national
Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100
value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like
amount, based on a formula. For information on Checkoff-funded
programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff
Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or
visit www.pork.org.
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SOURCE National Pork Board