America’s Miracle Meat: The Story of Spam (+ 3 Recipes)

I was in Korea (US Army) (1984-1985) stationed at Camp Casey (2 ID 1/72 BN) about 10 miles South of the DMZ.

Upon first arriving in Korea we were immediately instructed that what we purchased in the PX and Commissary were limited. I forget the numbers now, but it was something like only 2 bottles of hard liquor per month and 4 cans of canned meat. The reason we were limited was to prevent the reselling on the black market. I forget now how they did it, but somehow, every purchase was tracked, and when the limit was reached, you could not buy any more for all the tea in China.

Except, on post were these Korea run eateries. They were sponsored by the US, and their goods and wares were supported by the US, but things in there were not tracked. This is where I first was introduced to Ramon Noodles. They fixed them, we ate them!

Now, on Camp Casey everyone ate in the Mess Hall. Everyone lived in barracks. No spouses, no kids, just soldiers and indigenous Korean employees contracted by the Army.

Well, food in the Mess Hall was NEVER enough. I was always hungry. So I visited the little eateries quite often, and that's when I learned they sold these little cans of Spam and it was not counted against your numbers. There was no tracking at all. If you bought Spam in the PX it was counted as 1 can, even though they are small. But in the eateries, they were not. Soooo.... being the meat eater I am, I probably consumed 5 cans a week. I developed quite a taste for it!

Funny, I like it then ... I still like it! However, every time I eat Spam I'm reminded of Korea, yet Spam has been around longer than I have been. I'm now (almost) 60!, funny it took me 30 years to discover it!

We always take a couple cans along with us in the Travel Trailer.
Great for morning SPAM and eggs, or even better, cut up in little cubes and mix with eggs and cheese and bread in a pie-iron over the fire.

Yes, the SPAM museum is great! We were there several years ago and they had Al Franken (a native of Austin, MN)on a huge video screen welcoming people to the museum. Now that he's Senator Al, I don't know if he's still on their program.

I heard another good one about SPAM. In some special video program on the Beatles, they ran a piece between an American reporter and a British gentleman from 1964.
American Reporter: Why did Britain feel they had to send the Beatles to America?
Englishman: I think it was payback for all that SPAM you sent over here during World War II !

And just my opinion, but I don't think S-P-A-M stands for spiced ham, I think it stands for Spastic Ham!!!

I keep cans of Spam at home and in the MH. Not my favorite food, but when its pouring rain or snowing, it beats having to go to the store if there's nothing else.

NYCgrrl wrote:
Monty Python skit? Yessssssssssss! :D

Actually eating Spam? Noooooooooooo:D
And I do not care what the residents of Hawaii do with it either;).

I could not agree with you more!

We made Spam Burgers last night after reading this thread! Love Spam! We keep it in the trailer too.

Monty Python skit? Yessssssssssss! :D

Actually eating Spam? Noooooooooooo:D
And I do not care what the residents of Hawaii do with it either;).

Gotta admit I didn't mind fried Spam night back when I was a kid.

Yup, gotta love Spam! Sometimes I just have to consume an entire can!

edbehnke wrote:
by the way the spam museum, yes, there is one, is currently closed but is currently being remodeled. the store is however still open.

it is well worth your while to visit when up in Minnesota.

Yessir, the museum is a "must see" if ever in that part of Minnesota.

edbehnke wrote:
by the way the spam museum, yes, there is one, is currently closed but is currently being remodeled. the store is however still open.

it is well worth your while to visit when up in Minnesota.

Great museum in Austin, MI.
Fun visit, plus restaurants have numerous SPAM dishes on their menus.....breakfast, lunch & dinner