If you’re a fan of Taylor Pork Roll, also known as Taylor Ham, you may be wondering if it’s safe to eat it raw.
After all, it’s a fully cooked product, so why not enjoy it straight out of the package? However, before you take a bite, there are some important things to consider.
In this article, we’ll explore the risks of eating pork roll raw and why it’s best to cook it before consuming.
So, let’s dive in and find out if you can eat Taylor Pork Roll raw.
Can You Eat Taylor Pork Roll Raw?
The short answer is no, you should not eat Taylor Pork Roll raw. While it’s true that the product is fully cooked before packaging, there are still potential risks associated with consuming it raw.
One of the main concerns is the risk of contracting a worm parasite called Trichinella Spiralis. This parasite can cause a serious illness called trichinosis, which can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and fever.
While the risk of contracting trichinosis from pork products is relatively low in the United States, it’s still a possibility. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F can help kill any potential parasites or bacteria that may be present.
In addition to the risk of illness, eating raw pork roll may also result in an unpleasant taste and texture. Pork roll is typically served grilled or fried, which gives it a crispy texture and enhances its flavor. Eating it raw may not provide the same enjoyable eating experience.
What Is Taylor Pork Roll?
Taylor Pork Roll, also known as Taylor Ham, is a processed pork product that was developed by John Taylor in Trenton, New Jersey in 1856. It is made with a mix of spices, salt, sugar cure, and preservatives, and is smoked before being packaged. While other companies produce pork roll, Taylor Provisions is the originator of the product and is known for its high-quality pork roll.
The product was originally sold as “Taylor’s Prepared Ham” until 1906 when food labeling regulations required Taylor and all other manufacturers to label it as “pork roll.” However, people in northern New Jersey still refer to it as “Taylor ham,” while those in the Philadelphia area and South Jersey use the name “pork roll.”
Pork roll is typically served grilled or fried, which gives it a crispy texture and enhances its flavor. It is a popular breakfast meat in New Jersey and neighboring states and can be found on many diner menus. While it should not be eaten raw due to the risk of illness, it is a delicious addition to sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and other dishes.
Is It Safe To Eat Pork Roll Raw?
Consuming raw pork roll is not recommended. While the product is fully cooked before packaging, there is still a risk of contracting a worm parasite called Trichinella Spiralis, which can cause trichinosis. This illness can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, and fever. Additionally, cooking pork roll can enhance its flavor and texture, making it a more enjoyable eating experience. To reduce the risk of illness, it’s important to cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F. Therefore, it’s not safe to eat pork roll raw.
Risks Of Consuming Raw Pork Roll
Consuming raw pork roll can be risky due to the potential presence of harmful pathogens and parasites. As mentioned earlier, one of the main concerns is Trichinella Spiralis, a worm parasite that can cause trichinosis. This parasite can infect pigs that eat scraps of meat containing the larval cysts, and if humans consume undercooked or raw pork roll, they may become infected with this parasite as well.
In addition to Trichinella Spiralis, other bacteria and parasites can also be present in raw pork roll, such as Yersinia enterocolitica and coccidiosis. These can cause foodborne illnesses that lead to symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Furthermore, cooking pork roll to the recommended temperature not only helps eliminate the risk of contracting these illnesses but also improves its taste and texture. Raw pork roll may have an unpleasant texture and taste and may not provide the same enjoyable eating experience as cooked pork roll.
Therefore, it’s essential to cook pork roll thoroughly before consuming it to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure a safe and enjoyable eating experience.
How To Properly Cook Taylor Pork Roll
If you want to enjoy Taylor Pork Roll safely and deliciously, it’s important to know how to cook it properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Score the edges of the pork roll slices in 3 or 4 places. This will keep the slices flat and prevent them from buckling as they cook.
2. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
3. Once the skillet is hot, add the pork roll slices in one layer and brown well on both sides, about 6 minutes.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork roll has reached at least 145°F.
5. Remove the slices from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
6. Serve the cooked pork roll as desired, such as in a sandwich or with eggs.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Taylor Pork Roll is cooked thoroughly and safely, while also enjoying its delicious flavor and texture.
