From a wartime staple to a modern-day cult favorite, Spam has an intriguing history and is gaining renewed attention in the food world.
A resurgence of nostalgic foods has cast the spotlight back on the iconic canned meat, Spam, which boasts a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Surprisingly, since its inception, a staggering 8 billion cans of Spam have been sold across the globe.
First introduced amid the Great Depression in 1937, Spam became a popular household staple due to the high cost and scarcity of fresh pork. By the end of World War II, the military had procured 150 million pounds of canned delight. Made up of only six ingredients – pork with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrite – Spam’s simplicity contributed to its popularity.
Though the origin of the name “Spam” remains a mystery, it was conceived by Kenneth Daigneau, an actor and brother of a Hormel Foods vice president. Despite suggestions that the name stands for “shoulder of pork and ham” or “spiced ham,” no official confirmation exists.
Hawaii claims the title of the largest Spam consumer, with locals devouring seven million cans annually. The versatile meat often appears in a Hawaiian dish called Spam Musubi, featuring fried rice and seaweed. South Korea follows closely as the second-largest consumer, with Spam often found in sushi rolls known as kimbap.
Spam’s extensive flavor range includes Lite, Bacon, Turkey, Teriyaki, Cheese, Garlic, Black Pepper, Hickory Smoke, and Portuguese Sausage. A museum in Austin, Minnesota – Spam’s birthplace – pays homage to the canned meat’s global presence. The brand’s packaging even made it to the Smithsonian in 1998.
For those who haven’t ventured into the world of Spam, its taste has been described as “magic,” and akin to a mix of ham and pork roast. Grilling, baking, or frying the meat creates varying flavors and textures. To produce Spam, pre-ground pork and ham are combined with the other ingredients, canned, vacuum-sealed, cooked, and cooled for three hours before being labeled, packed, and distributed.
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Source: AWM