ADVERTISEMENT
### What Exactly Is SPAM Made Of?
SPAM is a canned meat product, and its ingredients have been the subject of many debates over the years. It’s often described as a mysterious food, perhaps due to its unusual texture, its long shelf life, and the fact that it’s a pre-cooked, ready-to-eat product. Let’s break down the ingredients in SPAM, focusing on what’s inside the can.
The official SPAM recipe has remained relatively consistent since it was first introduced in 1937 by the Hormel Foods Corporation. Here’s what typically makes up the iconic canned meat:
#### 1. **Pork Shoulder**
The main ingredient in SPAM is **pork shoulder**, though the exact proportions of pork used can vary slightly. The pork shoulder is a cut of meat from the upper part of the pig’s front leg. It’s relatively fatty and has a good amount of connective tissue, making it a tender and flavorful meat that lends itself well to canning and preservation.
Pork shoulder is often used in processed meats because it’s not only affordable but also yields a product that retains moisture and flavor during the cooking and canning process.
#### 2. **Ham**
In addition to pork shoulder, SPAM contains **ham**, which is typically derived from the back leg of the pig. Ham is known for its salty, smoky flavor, which contributes to SPAM’s distinctive taste.
Together, pork shoulder and ham form the base of the SPAM mixture, giving the product its texture and flavor.
#### 3. **Salt**
**Salt** is used in SPAM for both flavor and preservation. Salt is a crucial ingredient in many processed foods, as it acts as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. It also enhances the overall flavor of the product, making SPAM salty and savory.
#### 4. **Water**
**Water** is added to the meat mixture to provide moisture and aid in the processing. It helps the ingredients come together and prevents the final product from being too dry.
#### 5. **Potato Starch**
**Potato starch** serves as a binder to hold the mixture together. It gives SPAM its signature gel-like consistency and helps keep the meat mass intact after canning. Starch is commonly used in processed meats to improve texture and create a uniform product.
#### 6. **Sugar**
A small amount of **sugar** is added to balance the saltiness and enhance the flavor. Sugar also helps in the curing process and contributes to the overall preservation of the meat.
#### 7. **Sodium Nitrite**
**Sodium nitrite** is a food additive that’s often used in cured meats. It plays a key role in preserving the color and preventing bacterial growth, particularly botulism. Sodium nitrite is used in very small amounts in SPAM and is responsible for giving the meat its pinkish hue.
### The History of SPAM: From Wartime Ration to Cultural Phenomenon
SPAM’s origins date back to 1937 when it was first introduced by the Hormel Foods Corporation. The company wanted to create a meat product that was inexpensive, long-lasting, and easy to prepare. With the onset of World War II, SPAM’s shelf life and ease of transport made it an ideal food for soldiers. It became widely distributed to troops during the war, and over time, its association with wartime sustenance contributed to its widespread popularity.
As the war ended, SPAM became a staple in American households, especially during tough economic times. Its long shelf life made it a reliable product to stock up on, and it became a go-to for busy families who needed a quick meal.
Over the years, SPAM has gone through various transformations, including a variety of flavor options such as SPAM Lite, SPAM with Bacon, SPAM Hot and Spicy, and even SPAM Teriyaki. Despite some fluctuations in its popularity, it has remained a beloved food item, especially in certain regions like Hawaii, where it’s often featured in traditional dishes like SPAM musubi.
Today, SPAM continues to be a popular food item worldwide, and its unique flavor and versatility have cemented its place in global food culture.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
