DES MOINES, IOWA — The National Pork Board (NPB) has launched a campaign to promote the most popular pork dishes in every state in the country. The NPB, and the 60,000 US pig farmers it represents, recently released the results of a new consumer survey highlighting the most favored pork-based cuisine in each state.
“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 US,” said Angie Krieger, vice president of domestic marketing at the NPB. “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, including recipes and inspiration for each state’s dish. Krieger said the list includes a unique blend of restaurant favorites and traditionally homemade fare.
Some of the highlights of the survey included:
Pork’s 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 US states.
Ethnic influences– 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.
Barbecue and pizza preferences vary widely – 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, to biscuits and sausage gravy, the savory, indulgent flavors that pork-based sausages provide are favorites from coast to coast.
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)
