SPAM® made its debut in 1937, created by Hormel Foods, and the military found it to be a valuable staple to feed our troops during World War II. (The troops had several favorite names for this new product, which cannot be printed, but they still welcomed the meat in any form.) On the home front, it filled housewives’ shelves, was versatile, and provided a quick meal for the kids. While many speculate that the name means “spiced ham,” Hormel executives are silent. Of course, back in the 1930s, who could have predicted that the same word (in lower case) would label spam emails.

After World War II, the Hawaiian Territory adopted the canned meat that soldiers had been eating and made it a part of their cuisine. Fried spam and rice became a popular dish eaten at any time of the day, and what better combination than hearty pineapple to top off this new trend. To this day, more spam is consumed in our 50th state than anywhere else, and they make no apologies. A record 7 million cans of Spam products are purchased per year. Even some popular fast food restaurants include it on their menu.

Although an American original, this unique corned beef has expanded its popularity around the world, with fans everywhere putting their own ethnic stamp on it. In the Philippines, several well-known restaurants feature it exclusively, offering a multitude of dishes for the gourmet. For the British, Spam ‘n Chips is a favorite variation on their national staple fish. (with a lot of vinegar). On the island of Guam, consumption exceeds 16 cans per person per year. While you won’t find this product anywhere in Africa, most of South America, or Western Europe, spam is enjoyed in more than 40 countries around the world. And every second a staggering 12.8 cans are consumed. In the US, this product has its own museum in Austin, Minnesota.

Recipe contests are held annually at 26 of our nation’s largest county and state fairs, where cooks take this competition very seriously. Unique and exotic dishes incorporating spam are entered into nearly every ethnic cuisine one can imagine: Tex-Mex tacos, Italian pasta, Asian bowls, American grill sandwiches, sushi, breakfast combos, hash, the list is endless. .

Celebrities who have professed a love of spam include Dwight Eisenhower, Margaret Thatcher, Gracie Allen, and Monty Python. Some famous chefs have created unique recipes and cookbooks to showcase its limitless uses. There’s no denying its popularity and sustainability in the US and around the world, with millions of loyal fans.

Well, maybe you don’t eat pork products. Or maybe you feel that canned meats are unhealthy. Take heart. The Hormel Company also produces a turkey version. Bon Appetite.