It’s gained a reputation as a “mystery meat,” but SPAM’s recipe is actually pretty simple! It’s also the same name used for those annoying unsolicited emails—but why?
Whether you’ve eaten SPAM your whole life or just eyed it suspiciously at the store, you’ve likely wondered:
What Is SPAM?
SPAM is a canned lunch meat product that first hit the market in 1937, created by Hormel Foods in Austin, Minnesota.
At the tail end of the Great Depression, SPAM helped meet the growing need for low-cost meat options. Its popularity surged even further during World War II, thanks to its long shelf life and easy shipping capabilities.
“It cemented its place in the culinary world during World War II, due to its ability to be stored for long periods of time,” explains James Schend, food editor at Taste of Home.
Today, SPAM is sold in 44 countries and has spawned 15 different varieties, including Teriyaki, Jalapeño, and Classic. Over 8 billion cans have been sold worldwide! In fact, SPAM’s hometown of Austin even opened a SPAM Museum in 2016.
What Is SPAM Made Of?
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