Pulled pork is a staple of American barbecue, especially popular in the Southern United States. Traditionally, it involves slow-cooking pork shoulder until it becomes tender enough to be easily "pulled" into shreds. The history of barbecue in the United States is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions brought by European settlers and African slaves, who combined their techniques with local ingredients. Pulled pork specifically has a long history, with variations existing in different regions, each boasting its unique flavor profiles and cooking methods.