What is Lebanon Bologna? No it's not the words spoken by local county and city officials.

Lebanon Bologna is, per Wikipedia "a type of semi-dry sausage similar in appearance and texture to salami, although it is somewhat darker colored. Made from salted beef, it has a distinctive smoky taste, owing to the smoking process by which it is cured. It is additionally aged for at least 10 days, which generally overlaps with the smoking."

And it is unique to this area. In fact, there are really only 3 major manufacturers of this product left in business:

Seltzer's is located in my home town of Palmyra, PA. Seltzer's is now 105 years old, having started in a local butcher shop in 1902. It was once called the Palmyra Bologna Company, but the name was changed back to Seltzer's to honor the founder. Seltzer's is the largest producer of Lebanon Bologna in the world. Their website enables on-line ordering and offers quite a few recipes.

Weavers Famous Lebanon Bolognawas started in 1885 by Daniel Weaver. Still manufactured in Lebanon, it is now owned by Godshall's Meat Products of Telford,PA. Their website features recipes, on line ordering and a list of retailers who stock their products.

Kutztown Bologna, while not a Lebanon County company, manufactures a fine Lebanon Bologna product. Kutztown is located in eastern Berks County (about midway between Reading and Allentown) is also now part of Godshalls. Their claim to fame is the building of the world's largest sausage (1202 pounds) for the Guiness Records.

There are a few additional local brands. Kunzler Meats of Lancaster, Boar's Head and a few other companies also make a Lebanon Bologna. The taste isn't for everyone, but Lebanon Bologna lovers can't live with it.