SPAM On The Trail?

[Mother Natures Son]

A hiker friend was telling all about SPAM and how it is, "The New Hiking Food". (Less the can and the Salt.) According to him, SPAM can be used (it place of.) almost any meat. Is he pulling my leg? Who eats can meat on trail any more?

[Lone Wolf]

they come in single serve foil pouches now

[Mother Natures Son]

Like Kraft Cheese slices we all grew up with as kids? Wow! What wouldn't they think of next?

[gpburdelljr]

As far as I’m concerned there is nothing you can do to spam to make it palatable. On the other hand, on a thru hike with limited food options , and hiker hunger kicking in, it might be OK.

Man 1: “How can you afford to feed your16 hunting hound dogs.”
Man 2: “I feed them turnips”
Man 1: “I wouldn’t think a hound would eat turnips”
Man 2 : “They didn’t for the first two weeks”

[CalebJ]

I'd rank it a few rungs above Vienna Sausage. But that's an incredibly low bar.

[TJ aka Teej]

Vienna Sausage
And sardines, slim jims, deviled ham, sticks of pepperoni, Spam, - good times!

[peakbagger]

The folks in Hawaii would take offense, its is quite popular for some strange reason.

[CalebJ]

The folks in Hawaii would take offense, its is quite popular for some strange reason.

I can get onboard with the whole spam rice sushi business. But not just spam on a backpacking trip.

[Funkmeister]

Love it. I get the low salt version.

Instant mashed potatoes, dehydrated green beans, spam. One of my 4 main dinners.

[gpburdelljr]

The folks in Hawaii would take offense, its is quite popular for some strange reason.
In WWII the military in Hawaii had lots of canned Spam, when other meats were in low supply. Surpluses filtered down to the non military population, and that is when Spam became popular in Hawaii.

[peakbagger]

When I was a boy scout,, the adults handed off the food planning to the scouts. One of the leaders was a Marine that had fought in the battle of the Pacific in WW2. He was on the vanguard of several major battles and in some cases were on the front lines for months living of the rations of the era which included lots of spam. He did not talk about it much. We went on trip with two spam meals. He politely declined the spam and let us know that he had sworn off spam when he headed home at the end of the war. After that spam was off the list.

[JNI64]

I like the spam singles heated up over a fire to a crispy crunchy hot goodness.

[psyculman]

Turkey spam is great. We eat it at home all the time. I take spam Lite singles on every hike. Some fat and salt is just the thing.

[SoaknWet]

Spam with Arby's horsey sause.

[Seatbelt]

We used to joke about SPAM, "Skunk, Possum And Mice" is what it stood for. LOL But later in life, I have actually been thankful a few times that I had some to eat.

[franky]

I also use the 25% less sodium. I like to slice it and fry it and eat it like you would eat bacon, or cube it and sauté it with onions and add scrambled eggs for an omelet.

I have added cubed spam to my Hamberger patties, and also i've added it to chili for a for a new twist.

I bet you could also add spam to a pan of baked macaroni and cheese.

[Time Zone]

I'm as thrifty as they come and no food snob, but I failed to find it adequately palatable. Perhaps I'd have to have the hunting hound dog / turnip experience described upthread in order to change my mind.

In fact, I'm told that it was not unknown in my family when I was growing up, owing to difficulties funding better food. So yeah, that probably would do it.

[Siestita]

"When I was a boy scout,, the adults handed off the food planning to the scouts. One of the leaders was a Marine that had fought in the battle of the Pacific in WW2. He was on the vanguard of several major battles and in some cases were on the front lines for months living of the rations of the era which included lots of spam. He did not talk about it much. We went on trip with two spam meals. He politely declined the spam and let us know that he had sworn off spam when he headed home at the end of the war. After that spam was off the list."

MY father served in the infantry during WWII in North Africa and Italy. After eating SPAM there he refused to eat any of it later in life.

[LazyLightning]

SPAM: Don't knock it 'til you've fried it

haha. I never even tried it

[peakbagger]

"When I was a boy scout,, the adults handed off the food planning to the scouts. One of the leaders was a Marine that had fought in the battle of the Pacific in WW2. He was on the vanguard of several major battles and in some cases were on the front lines for months living of the rations of the era which included lots of spam. He did not talk about it much. We went on trip with two spam meals. He politely declined the spam and let us know that he had sworn off spam when he headed home at the end of the war. After that spam was off the list."

MY father served in the infantry during WWII in North Africa and Italy. After eating SPAM there he refused to eat any of it later in life.



That can happen with any food. My dad spent a couple fo years in Iceland during WW2. The Army Air Corp was supposed to source food locally if possible. The locals figured out a use for old sheep that wouldnt make it through another winter by slaughtering them and selling the meat to the army. For the duration of his tour, the primary protein was mutton, breakfast, lunch and dinner. He would on rare occasions eat lamb chops but it was definitely not his favorite meal.

[psyculman]

I also use the 25% less sodium. I like to slice it and fry it and eat it like you would eat bacon, or cube it and sauté it with onions and add scrambled eggs for an omelet.

I have added cubed spam to my Hamberger patties, and also i've added it to chili for a for a new twist.

I bet you could also add spam to a pan of baked macaroni and cheese.

Now were talking!

[psyculman]

That can happen with any food. My dad spent a couple fo years in Iceland during WW2. The Army Air Corp was supposed to source food locally if possible. The locals figured out a use for old sheep that wouldnt make it through another winter by slaughtering them and selling the meat to the army. For the duration of his tour, the primary protein was mutton, breakfast, lunch and dinner. He would on rare occasions eat lamb chops but it was definitely not his favorite meal.

My father was in Korea during the war. He would not eat rice, or chipped beef on toast, which my mom fixed anyway, and I really liked.

[garlic08]

I'm sure everyone's seen the meme from the Covid pandemic: "Hormel Foods made their first batch of Spam in 1937. With everyone out shopping and hoarding food, they have announced that they'll make their second batch later this week."

[gpburdelljr]

Some people think SPAM stands for Shoulder of Pork And Ham. Actually it stands for Stuff Posing As Meat.

[Mother Natures Son]

They say that SPAM has 100+ recipes for the hiker. I don't know about that. One hiker I meet at the hostel claimed he ate SPAM, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. I can't even imagine that! It reminds me of the story of the two new vegetarians who ate lentils for all three meal, per day. By the time they reached the halfway point, they were sick of lentils. The lady wanted to sneak off and get a burger.

[rhjanes]

Farming communities barter their labor. My grandfather had a farm in central PA, buying it shortly before the Great Depression and not selling it until the 1970's (they moved off it and he farmed it and rented the house out, starting after WWII) and they all bartered labor and even equipment. Granddad had a steam engine and an apple sorter, so he'd power stuff and sort everyone's apples, and they would plow his fields, or help cut the hay. Since everyone was assisting on those days, the families would cook chicken for everyone. Chicken, chicken, chicken. Later in his life, he'd hardly eat any chicken at all.

[zelph]

Spam MUSUBI

50120
Directions

In large skillet, cook SPAM® Classic (https://www.spam.com/varieties/spam-classic) until lightly browned and crisp. Drizzle with grill sauce or cooking sauce.
Place rice into musubi press or line inside of empty SPAM® Classic (https://www.spam.com/varieties/spam-classic) can with plastic wrap and place rice in can. Press rice down firmly.
Sprinkle with seasoned furikake and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Place SPAM® Classic (https://www.spam.com/varieties/spam-classic) on rice in press or in can. Press down firmly. Optional: top with remaining rice; press down.
Remove SPAM® Classic (https://www.spam.com/varieties/spam-classic) and rice from musubi press or can.
On work surface, cut nori to desired width.
Lay nori shiny-side-down; top with pressed SPAM® Classic (https://www.spam.com/varieties/spam-classic) and rice. Wrap nori around pressed SPAM® Classic (https://www.spam.com/varieties/spam-classic) and rice. Serve immediately.

[One Half]

Spam is certainly not new to the hiking community. Carried it over 30 years ago. And when we had large groups we would some times carry canned ham as well.

[Mother Natures Son]

I wonder what Earl Shaffer ate on his '47 hike on the trail? Does anyone know "if" he ate SPAM? Say....why isn't Whiteblaze in the AT museum? It has been a great assets to a great deal of hikers.

[peakbagger]

We used to get US military rations when we were kids in scouts, I remember the individual canned hams were pretty good. Not sure what era rations they were.

[gpburdelljr]

I wonder what Earl Shaffer ate on his '47 hike on the trail? Does anyone know "if" he ate SPAM? Say....why isn't Whiteblaze in the AT museum? It has been a great assets to a great deal of hikers.

Since Earl Shaffer, a WWII vet, hiked the trail to “walk the war out of my system”, I’d say there was a good chance he didn’t eat any SPAM on the trail.

[zelph]

Early version of can opener:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5SsRF90yfw

[zelph]

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[Slow Trek]

Well,After all that I can only add that every third lunch is a tortilla with a single foil slice of Spam inside. It has worked for 1571 miles,and with any luck,will get us to the top of the big mountain. But precooked bacon days are better...

[Deadeye]

Love it. Either in a tortilla wrap or as part of a dinner, SPAM is a staple in my trail diet. Plenty of fat, protein, and salt.

[SoaknWet]

Been eating SPAM for 75 years, started with my Grand father. If I remember right it was $.10 at the company store. Sardines where $.07. Thats what he took for lunch in the mine.

[gpburdelljr]

Been eating SPAM for 75 years

That’s a pretty good trick, since your profile says you are 74.:)

[Hillbillyhanger]

As a youngun, I could not stand the thought/taste of eating sandwich bread. I had many school lunches that consisted of crackers and potted meat or deviled ham. I think that's why my immune system is so well developed. Drinking creek water and processed meat in a can!

[JNI64]

That’s a pretty good trick, since your profile says you are 74.:)

Maybe momma was consuming spam when she was pregnant with soaknwet...

[maremieisen]

Like any food, if you eat it too often, or if you come to associate it with privation, you can easily come to loathe it. I like Spam, now and again. Definitely as spam musubi, although that's not exactly easy to make on the trail. I'm glad for the existence of Spam singles, and will happily add one to a meal pouch, just as I would a single-serving chicken or tuna or salmon pouch.

To quote Monty Python: 'Sshh, dear, don't cause a fuss. I'll have your spam. I love it."

[Seatbelt]

That’s a pretty good trick, since your profile says you are 74.:)
I guess that what that much SPAM can do to ya, memory loss among other things. :D

[JNI64]

No mention of the flavored spams they have now?
They now have maple, teriyaki, bacon flavor spam and though in a can you can portion out via vacuum seal or freezer bag with say rice or veggies.

[JNI64]

.....and you can dehydrate spam for said recipes above ^^ ..

[Mother Natures Son]

What flavored SPAM is the best? I know SPAM is not the same thing around the world. The company tries to make the stuff to liking of whatever country they are selling the product in. Any guesses what are the wildest flavored? I wonder if they make, Pizza flavored yet?

[maremieisen]

From about DC on South, you can buy packets of sliced country ham. They won't tell you this on the package, and it's sold in the refrigerated meat cases, but there's so much salt in it that it won't spoil unrefrigerated, and it is safe to eat without even cooking it. IDK why they don't sell this stuff further north, but I've only ever seen it from about DC South.
50131

[gpburdelljr]

From about DC on South, you can buy packets of sliced country ham. They won't tell you this on the package, and it's sold in the refrigerated meat cases, but there's so much salt in it that it won't spoil unrefrigerated, and it is safe to eat without even cooking it. IDK why they don't sell this stuff further north, but I've only ever seen it from about DC South.
50131
Country ham, like grits, is a southern thing.

[JNI64]

They sell country ham like that in my stores and have taken it on trips so might not be as southern as you think.

[gpburdelljr]

They sell country ham like that in my stores and have taken it on trips so might not be as southern as you think.
Your profile indicates you live in West Virginia, which is below the Mason Dixon Line, and I consider it to be a southern state, and it is next to Virginia which is famous for its country hams. You’re less likely to find country ham in places like New York, Maine, New Hampshire, etc.

[zelph]

Spam Singles the Shug way:

50136

[Seatbelt]

From about DC on South, you can buy packets of sliced country ham. They won't tell you this on the package, and it's sold in the refrigerated meat cases, but there's so much salt in it that it won't spoil unrefrigerated, and it is safe to eat without even cooking it. IDK why they don't sell this stuff further north, but I've only ever seen it from about DC South.
50131
It says on the pkg that it is sugar cured. They don't usually do both do they? Just curious.

[gpburdelljr]

It says on the pkg that it is sugar cured. They don't usually do both do they? Just curious.

Salt-cured ham is processed by rubbing the entire surface of the meat with salt and allowing it to sit for several weeks before hanging it up to air dry.
Sugar-cured ham, on the other hand, is coated with a mixture of sugar, salt, and spices that forms a sweet crust around the ham.
Both hams are then smoked.

[Seatbelt]

Salt-cured ham is processed by rubbing the entire surface of the meat with salt and allowing it to sit for several weeks before hanging it up to air dry.
Sugar-cured ham, on the other hand, is coated with a mixture of sugar, salt, and spices that forms a sweet crust around the ham.
Both hams are then smoked.
I realize all of this. What I was referring to is the statement that the package shown in the picture was salt cured, when it clearly says sugar cured. I was wondering if a single ham can have both treatments?

[gpburdelljr]

I realize all of this. What I was referring to is the statement that the package shown in the picture was salt cured, when it clearly says sugar cured. I was wondering if a single ham can have both treatments?
Post #45 called it a country ham, but never said it was salt cured, only that it didn’t need refrigeration because of the salt content. Sugar cured hams use a mixture of sugar and salt in the curing process.

[BillyGr]

From about DC on South, you can buy packets of sliced country ham. They won't tell you this on the package, and it's sold in the refrigerated meat cases, but there's so much salt in it that it won't spoil unrefrigerated, and it is safe to eat without even cooking it. IDK why they don't sell this stuff further north, but I've only ever seen it from about DC South.
50131
When I was in Virginia (that was a number of years ago), some stores even had it near the meat but NOT in a cold case (much like you often see the packages of precooked bacon that also don't require refrigeration unopened).

[RangerZ]

I just made Spam hash for brunch (being retired I didn't get up for breakfast). I take a large potato and onion, green/yellow/red pepper (whichever you may have) and a can of Spam. Dice everything in 1/4 inch dice and fry. Use ketchup as necessary.

I'm going to dehydrate some during my next dehydration session.

The single slices are good on tortillas with cheese. I've also added it to mac and cheese.


Everything has its pace - even Spam.

[The Miracle Man]

"New hiking food"? Well the soldiers in WWII did plenty of hiking. They were also fed plenty of SPAM too. Everywhere they went, SPAM. In the field kitchens when they were on operations. SPAM. In the rest areas when they were relieved from the front lines. SPAM. All during their training before going overseas. SPAM SPAM SPAM. In those days there was a popular cartoon character named "Sad Sack". He was an everyman charicature of the average WWII G.I. that every soldier in the service reading the 'Stars And Stripes' military newspaper that was circulated everywhere worldwide throughout all branches of our military and everyone back home reading their own hometown newspapers all over the USA could also relate to. In those days a huge highlight of a serviceman's day was something called Mailcall. This was when the men all had their mail from home handed out to them. This was huge. This was when some pure gold such as cookies baked by Grandma back home might be a rare reality. An original WWII sad Sack cartoon~50236

[The Miracle Man]

"New hiking food"? Well the soldiers in WWII did plenty of hiking. They were also fed plenty of SPAM too. Everywhere they went, SPAM. In the field kitchens when they were on operations. SPAM. In the rest areas when they were relieved from the front lines. SPAM. All during their training before going overseas. SPAM SPAM SPAM. In those days there was a popular cartoon character named "Sad Sack". He was an everyman charicature of the average WWII G.I. that every soldier in the service reading the 'Stars And Stripes' military newspaper that was circulated everywhere worldwide throughout all branches of our military and everyone back home reading their own hometown newspapers all over the USA could also relate to. In those days a huge highlight of a serviceman's day was something called Mailcall. This was when the men all had their mail from home handed out to them. This was huge. This was when some pure gold such as cookies baked by Grandma back home might be a rare reality. An original WWII sad Sack cartoon~<img src="https://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=50236&amp;stc=1" attachmentid="50236" alt="" id="vbattach_50236" class="previewthumb">

[George]

they come in single serve foil pouches now

price is stupid compared to the cans, and only 100 cal out of the 1000's needed, empty can is not that bad, I also mostly use tuna in cans

[George]

korea is a huge market for spam, but it is a higher quality meat going into it corresponding with the relatively higher price - got its start as a black market item during that war

[George]

fairly common at dollar stores is 1 lb canned ham for slightly more than the 12 oz spam

[George]

No mention of the flavored spams they have now?
They now have maple, teriyaki, bacon flavor spam and though in a can you can portion out via vacuum seal or freezer bag with say rice or veggies. 17 varieties

[zelph]

Makes a good bear deterrent.:banana

[atraildreamer]

Time for a new group...50237

[Odd Man Out]

The folks in Hawaii would take offense, its is quite popular for some strange reason.
Yes, they have many varieties not available elsewhere.

[Odd Man Out]

I got a foil pouch of chicken to add to each of my meals on my last trip. I figured plain chicken couldn't be bad. Turns out I didn't like that either. I am about to give up and become a vegetarian while backpacking. I never get tired of lentils, bean, nuts, cheese, etc...

[Daybreak]

Makes a good bear deterrent.:banana
Spam on Brown Bread. :banana:banana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlr45J9jIqM

[zelph]

Spam on Brown Bread.

Brown bread with raisins might....I say might hide the taste of the spam. :D

[Slow Trek]

And just in case you were unaware,in Austin Minnesota you can visit the Spam museum. Not many foods have a dedicated museum...

[Deadeye]

Makes a great trail meal, IMO. Instant rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles + dehydrated veggies + herbs/spices + a pouch of chicken or SPAM and you have endless possibilities.

SPAM's not going to win any "healthy" awards, but on the trail it's a good source of fat, protein and salt (electrolytes for the modernists).

[Mouser999]

Could try this instead of Spam Sweet Sue Chicken Breast, 3 OzJust enough to mix with rice or ramen for a meal

[gpburdelljr]

I like Landjagger, a semi dried German sausage that doesn’t require refrigeration. In Atlanta I can get it at Patak, a place that does all kinds of smoked European meats. They will ship some of their products.

https://patakmeats.com/

[HankIV]

Shelter mice can also be a delicious addition to Ramen.

[Mother Natures Son]

You know the old saying? In GA, the shelter mice are cute. In PA, there food.:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:ba nana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:ban ana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:banana:bana na:banana:banana:banana

[zelph]

Shelter mice can also be a delicious addition to Ramen.

Also known as SpamRamen:D

[zelph]

Maybe.....Mice-a-ramen :banana

[Mouser999]

How about "Mice -A-Roni"?:banana

[Daybreak]

On another post ETtrailrunner is looking for a 20 liter daypack. That's 46 cans of Spam (20oz) or 23 cans of brown bread with raisins (16 oz).