Spam! Crazy Tasty Canned Meat

Spam in your in-box? Not a good thing. But finding the ubiquitous minced meat on a potluck table in Hawaii is cause for celebration!

Rejoice in Maui’s Love of SPAM at the First Annual Spam Jam, 10am-5 pm, July 24, at the Maui Tropical Plantation Field of Dreams. The event is hosted by KPOA morning goddess, Alaka`i Paleka, who will introduce entertainment by Kolohe Kai and Na Hoku award winners, Na Palapalai.

Kanoa Leahey and Sam Choy will also be on hand to judge the exciting Spam Challenge recipe contest. Cultural and family-friendly activities, near to the hearts of spam-loving locals and visitors, will offer plenty of opportunities for fun, even for Spam-shunning vegans.

In reality, Maui has a long and illustrious love affair with Hormel’s spiced, canned meat; a mainstay in the Hawaiian culture since pre-WWII. Vacuum packed to ensure long shelf life in the tropics, Spam was once a highly prized item of trade around the world. During the cold war it was a mainstay in bomb shelters and evacuation centers. More Spam is consumed per capita in Hawaii than anywhere else in the world. Equally as good in stir fry, on a stick, or as a sandwich, Spam’s popularity could also be attributed that to standout Hawaiian creation, Spam Musubi.

Proceeds from the event go to The Maui Food Bank, which this year alone will distribute over 1 million pounds of food to the hungry in Maui County. Admission is free, but  everyone is encouraged to bring canned goods to donate to the cause. Spam included!

Spam Musubi