A hero sandwich, also known as an Italian sub or Italian submarine sandwich, is said to have originated in New York in the late 19th century when Italian laborers wanted a convenient lunch that reminded them of home. The hero is traditionally at least two Italian meats and provolone cheese on a small or half loaf of crusty Italian bread with roasted peppers, vinegar, olive oil, and lettuce. It is a pork-based sandwich; popular meat choices include ham, prosciutto, pepperoni, capicola, mortadella and salami. However, the term "hero" has come to refer to any long sandwich in the greater New York area with the more non-regional term "sub" gradually becoming more popular in recent years. "Hero" remains the prevailing term for any sandwich with a generally Italian flavor, in addition to the original described above. Pizzeria menus often include eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, and meatball heroes, each served with tomato sauce. Pepper and egg heroes and potato and egg heroes are also popular. Tomatoes were not a historical ingredient of the hero, but are often included in modern heroes. Synonyms and similar sandwiches are called elsewhere in America: heroes, subs, grinders, hoagies, Submarine sandwiches or Po' boys.
