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What You Need to Know About Spam before You See Spamalot
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If you're one of those people who "eat ham, and jam and SPAM a lot," then the musical "Spamalot" might be meant for you. If you liked the 1975 "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," or all things Arthurian, the coming "Spamalot" is for you, but what do you really know about SPAM?
Of course, we're talking about that meat product, the thing that came out of Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937. Besides Monty Python, according to the official Spam brand Web site, Gracie Allen, Dwight Eisenhower and Margaret Thatcher have sung the praises of Spam. All these people are long dead so perhaps they need new spokespeople. The 1940 slogan was "Tastes fine, saves time; If you want something grand; Ask for SPAM."
Between 1941 and 1945, 100 million pounds were consumed by Allied troops during World War II. Edward R. Murrow reported in 1942, that Christmas might have been lean, but at least there was SPAM for everyone.
In 1963, deviled SPAM luncheon meat spread debuted. In 1971, hickory-smoke flavored and SPAM with cheese were introduced. In 1986, a lower sodium SPAM came out.
In 1991, a state fair best SPAM recipe contest began and eventually spread to 40 states and regional fairs. That year a merchandise catalog also came out.
In 1992, SPAM lite (25 percent less fat and sodium) made SPAM healthier. Now you can get SPAM Classic, SPAM single classic, SPAM classic 7 oz., Less Sodium, Hickory Smoked, With Bacon, With Cheese, Hot & Spicy, SPAM spread, Lite, Oven Roasted Turkey and SPAM hot dogs. You can join a fan club.
You can buy SPAM shirts, ties, earrings, soccer balls, pocket knives, basketballs and even a snoring SPAM pig.
By 2001, a SPAM Museum was opened in Austin, Minnesota. Open seven days a week, except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, admission is free.
In the place of SPAM musubi, there's even a SPAM JAM festival. According to a March 2004 article in the "Star Bulletin," Hawaii leads the United States in per capita SPAM consumption.
There was, for a time the limited release, SPAM Golden Honey Grail, a flavor produced in honor of the Monty Python musical "Spamalot", release in 2004. You might not be able to find it at the stores, but you can find it on eBay which may be cheaper than trying the Spamalot Shopalot: Ye Olde Rippey-offey Shoppe. At the latter, SPAM sells for $10 for the special limited edition can.
"Monty Python's Spamalot" opens on July 7 at the Ahmanson and runs until Sept. 6. John O'Hurley will play King Arthur.
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