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On this day in history, July 5, 1937, SPAM is introduced by Hormel Foods
SPAM, the canned processed meat product that has developed a cult following, was introduced by Hormel Foods on this day in history, July 5, 1937.
The mystery meat’s ingredients are not so mysterious after all, according to the official website for SPAM (a combo of the words “spiced ham”).
Consisting of “six simple ingredients” — pork with ham, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate — SPAM has “a relatively simple, conventional” production process, says its website.
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“First, the pork and ham are pre-ground. Then, salt, sugar and the rest of the ingredients are added and mixed, to reach the desired temperature,” the site points out.
“From there, the mixture is moved over to the canning line, where it’s filled into the familiar metal cans, 12 ounces at a time.”
SPAM was introduced to the world in July 1937. Hormel claimed in 2022 that some 13 cans of SPAM were consumed every second. (Newscast/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The filled cans are then brought to a “closing machine,” where they are vacuum sealed.
The cans are then cooked and cooled for a three-hour period, are given labels and are then put into cases, the SPAM website details.
Beginning in 1941, SPAM was sent around the world to feed Allied troops during World War II, says the SPAM website.
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Since the meat is pre-cooked and tinned, it is shelf-stable and ideal for shipping long distances.
Over 100 million pounds of SPAM were sent to feed the troops, the site indicates.
In 1959, the one-billionth can of SPAM was sold.
The popularity of SPAM has led to at least two annual festivals in the United States.
As of 2023, over 9 billion cans of SPAM have been sold throughout the world, the company says.
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The popularity of SPAM has led to at least two annual festivals in the United States that celebrate the product, as well as the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota.
Austin, Minnesota, is also home to the SPAM Jam, a festival about all things SPAM-related.
Stacks of SPAM sit on grocery store shelves. The product has sold more than nine billion tins since it was introduced on July 5, 1937. (Getty Images)
While Hormel Foods is headquartered in Minnesota, another state has taken a particular liking to SPAM: Hawaii.
“More SPAM is consumed per person in Hawaii than in any other state in the United States,” according to the website for the Waikiki SPAM JAM, the other SPAM-focused food festival.
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“Almost seven million cans of SPAM are eaten every year in Hawaii,” said the festival’s webpage.
It is so popular in the state that McDonald’s introduced SPAM products in its Hawaiian restaurants in 2002, the Associated Press noted at the time.
A cashier at a McDonald’s location in Wahiawa, Hawaii, stands behind an advertisement for the then-new SPAM, Eggs and Rice Breakfast Platter in June 2002. Hawaii’s residents consume more SPAM compared to residents of any other U.S. state. (Phil Mislinski/Getty Images)
SPAM is also a popular ingredient in various Asian cuisines, particularly Korean.
South Koreans consume more SPAM than the residents of any other country besides the United States, the Hormel Foods website notes.
Despite having only a sixth of the population of the United States, South Koreans consume half as much SPAM each year.
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The popular Korean dish “budae jjigae” — which translates to “Army stew” or “Army base stew” — developed after the Korean War, when an economic downturn meant that meat was scarce and expensive.
A U.S. Army base in the South Korean city of Uijeongbu had a surplus of various processed food, including SPAM — which “was totally new to Koreans,” Korean chef and YouTube creator Maangchi said on her website.
Budae jjigae, or “Army Stew,” was made from ingredients that were found on U.S. Army bases in South Korea after the Korean War, including SPAM. (iStock)
“Eventually these ingredients made their way into surrounding areas of the base and some creative Koreans made stew from them,” she said.
“They boiled spam, ham, sausages and baked beans with kimchi, garlic and hot pepper paste and flakes, creating a Korean-style stew with American ingredients.”
Even as South Korea’s economy rebounded, the stew — and SPAM as a whole — remained extremely popular.
SPAM has been available in as many as 15 varieties in recent years, including SPAM Classic, SPAM Lite, SPAM 25% Less Sodium, SPAM Maple Flavored, SPAM with Real HORMEL Bacon, SPAM Oven Roasted Turkey, SPAM Hickory Smoke Flavored, SPAM Hot & Spicy, SPAM Jalapeño, SPAM Chorizo, SPAM Teriyaki and SPAM with Tocino Flavoring, according to Hormel Foods.
Limited edition flavors SPAM Pumpkin Spice and SPAM Figgy Pudding were produced in 2019 and 2022, respectively, says the SPAM website.
In 2022, Hormel claimed that some 13 cans of SPAM were consumed every second, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
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Early voting for the 2026 New Mexico Primary Election begins Tuesday, May 5.
Residents can vote at county clerks’ offices until May 16, at which point more early voting locations open.
The Primary Election is on June 2.
Key races in New Mexico Primary Election?
Several state races have a crowded primary field including Democrat candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, governor and the state Legislature. Local races in Doña Ana and Otero County for sheriff and the Board of County Commissioners.
Who can vote in New Mexico Primary Election?
New Mexico has semi-open primary elections, which means voters who are not registered with a qualified political party may participate in the election by selecting which major party’s ballot they want to vote on without changing their voter registration.
Voters who have not registered with a qualified party can participate by selecting a major party’s ballot and vote.
Registration status, voting locations and sample ballots can be viewed at the New Mexico Secretary of State website.
Where to vote in Doña Ana County
Early voting at the Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, will begin from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on May 5 until May 29, and from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.
Alternate site early voting locations will begin at 11 a.m. on May 16 and run through May 30 from Tuesday through Saturday.
The alternate site locations in Doña Ana County are:• Anthony Library (750 Landers Road, Anthony)• HVPS Student Services (350 Main Street, Hatch)• Doña Ana County Community College (755 Prescott Anthony Drive, Chapparal)• Doña Ana County Community College (800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd., Las Cruces)• Doña Ana County Community College (3365 McNutt Road, Sunland Park)• Las Cruces City Hall (700 N. Main Street, Las Cruces)• Mesilla Town Hall (2231 Avenida de Mesilla, Mesilla)• Corbett Center Student Union (1600 International Mall, Las Cruces)
Same day registration will be available at the Doña Ana County Government Center during early voting and all absentee ballots may be returned to the County Clerk’s Office or any Election Day polling location no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Where to vote in Otero County
Early voting at the Otero County Clerk’s sub-office, 1101 New York Avenue, Room 101, will begin from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Friday on May 5 until May 29, and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.
Alternate site early voting locations will be staggered beginning on May 16 at 11 a.m. and run through May 30.
The alternate site locations in Otero County are:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 16 through May 30Otero County Fairgrounds (401 Fairgrounds Road, Alamogordo)
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., May 27 through May 29Inn of The Mountain Gods (287 Carrizo Canyon Road, Mescalero)
8:00 am to 5:00 p.m., May 28 through May 30 Chaparral Far South Fire Station (827 Luna Street, Chaparral)
SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — As Oregon approaches the summer months, Governor Tina Kotek and other state agency leaders are preparing for wildfire season.
On Tuesday morning, Gov. Kotek joined the Oregon State Fire Marshal, the heads of departments like forestry and emergency management, and public utility spokespeople to discuss the 2026 wildfire season.
They will also be taking questions from reporters – you can watch the full press conference here:
The governor and departments that fight wildfires also gave a tour of the equipment they use in the field when battling blazes across the state.
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This is a developing story; updates will be posted as information comes in.
LEHI, Utah (Amazing America) — Featuring over one million blooming flowers, including about 400,000 tulips imported from Holland, the Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival is one of the largest, most popular springtime events in the U.S., held each year at Ashton Gardens in Lehi, Utah.
The festival runs for about six weeks, usually from early April until mid-May. This year’s celebration concludes on May 16, so there’s still time to see the beautiful blooms.
Throughout the course of the festival, new flowers are always blossoming — and not just tulips. Visitors can admire daffodils, poppies, hyacinths and more.
Each year, tens of thousands of people flock to the festival from all over. What really sets Thanksgiving Point apart is that every October, the team redesigns bloom patterns and plants new bulbs, making for a completely fresh experience for visitors each year.
The Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival is filled to the brim with the sights, scents and sounds of spring. It’s a must-visit for all flower enthusiasts, but there’s really something for everyone to enjoy, including sweet and savory treats, live music on select days, interactive classes and tours, and plenty of unique photo opportunities.
Timed entry tickets are required, and prices range from $17 to $29. Children two and under enter for free. The festival is typically open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed on Sunday. For more information, click here.
We know there are plenty of other stories of unique landmarks and cultural experiences in all corners of the USA, and we’re making it our mission to find and highlight them. If you know of one, we’d love to hear about it. Send a DM to @amazingamericatv on Instagram!
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