Happy Birthday Ol' Pal

July 20, 2012

We missed a pretty important birthday recently. It’s like showing up to a family gathering, only to realize it was for your favorite auntie’s birthday, and you have no card. Color us embarrassed.

Well, we want to rectify the situation. So, here’s a great big "Happy Birthday to You," to our old pal…Spam.

The first can rolled off the line at Hormel on July 5, 1937. Now, we know you are rolling your eyes; judging our humble pal. Despite what you may think of the mystery meat, there are 75 candles on that cake, er…loaf. Age demands respect.

The name is a mash-up of spiced and ham, and the meat itself a mash-up of everything else. It originated as a military staple. Following World War II, it was promoted to masses, and for better or worse, it’s had a place in our pantries ever since.

Anymore, it’s not your Grandma’s Spam, although that’s probably on a shelf somewhere. Now you can get new and improved flavors. There’s "Hot and Spicy, "Garlic," even the head-scratcher that is "Reduced Sodium."

Per the parent company’s website, four cans of Spam are still being consumed every second in the United States. Of course, it’s the residents of Hawaii who put away the most Spam per capita. What do you expect? You can get Spam in your sushi there.

If you’re feeling intrigued, maybe thinking about a Spam-tastic recipe or two, check out The Book of Spam : a Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World's Favorite Canned Meat.

Happy eating.

Andie P.
Claycomo Branch