When we first moved to Middletown, we saw this historical marker along the side of one of the main roads about a mile from our house and thought “famous Civil War battle.” Then one day, we stopped the car, walked through the gulley and up a small hill to look. No Civil War battle. Not even close.
The marker commemorates the origin of the Poland China pig, first bred in 1816 on a nearby farm, which is now a mall. Known as the Big China, this breed boosted the swine industry in southwestern Ohio for the next 20 years. (I am not going to say it “brought home the bacon.”) Today, the big-framed, long-bodied, lean and muscular Poland China hog leads U.S. pork production in pounds of hog per sow per year. I think this story is a lot more fun than a Civil War battle.
What perfect timing! I just learned this weekend where the term 'high on the hog' came from. Apparently, the best - and most expensive - cut of pork ribs are the ones that are closer or higher to the front. Thus, living high on the hog means you're eating the best part. Have you tasted Poland China pork before?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Rita. No I have never tasted Poland China pork. I will have to look into that -- maybe next Easter's ham!
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