FOOD HISTORY: SPAM

Everyone has heard about but, really, what is Spam? Spam is canned precooked lunchmeat containing pork shoulder with ham added, developed by the Hormel Co. In 1891, George Hormel formed a retail meat market and pork business in Austen, Minnesota. Over the years, Hormel always tried to improve his production and develop new products. In 1916, they started selling dry sausages, a product that became popular, especially with ethnic communities. Later, in 1921, after many years of research and development, Hormel introduced “Hormel Flavor – Sealed Ham”. The world’s first canned ham. When hams were cut the company was left with thousands of pounds of pork shoulder. What to do with this surplus? Jay Hormel, the son of founder Charles, came up with the idea of using the pork shoulders for a new, spiced meat type product. Since “spiced ham” was not a particularly inspiring name for the new product, a naming contest was held. The contest was won by Kenneth Daigneau, a brother of one of Hormel’s executives, who using a blending of the words, “spice” and “ham”, came up with the word “SPAM” for the name of the new product, He was given $100 as a prize for the name. Spam was launched in 1937. Although housewives of the1930’s liked the idea of unrefrigerated and shelf-stable meat, Spam did not become global, until World War II when the US purchased a variety of canned meats for the troops. Spam was the preferred brand and was served to both American and allied soldiers overseas – about one million pounds. It became a staple in England and Asian – Pacific countries where rationing was in effect and where there was the presence of American troops who ate it. The fact that it could be kept on the shelf for several weeks and survive tropical heat made it a menu staple. In Hawaii, it became a main source of protein when deep- sea fishing was restricted because. that industry was run mainly by Japanese – Americans, whose patriotism was questioned. After the war, the love of Spam remained and is one of Hawaii’s “national” dishes even being included in sushi. Since Spam was introduced in 1937, more than eight billion cans have been sold by Hormel and is available in 44 countries. SPAM ON YOUR PLATE IS MUCH BETTER THAN SPAM IN YOUR EMAIL!!!