Tushonka

Tushonka is a cherished variety of canned stewed meat, especially popular in Russia and countries that were formerly part of the Eastern Bloc. Over time, the term "tushonka" has come to encompass various kinds of canned stewed meat, even if they don't strictly adhere to the original GOST standards. One of the key reasons for its widespread appeal is its excellent shelf life, making it a staple in military rations across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

In the Soviet Union, tushonka was a crucial element of both military and civilian food supplies. There were periods when it could only be obtained with food stamps, underscoring its significance and scarcity.

A notable historical tidbit: during World War II, the Soviet Union received cans of Spam through the Lend-Lease program. However, Stalin was not enthusiastic about his people consuming an American product, so he requested canned tushonka instead. Later, in the 1960s and '70s, surplus stocks of tushonka were sold in state-owned stores, where they became a favorite among campers and hikers seeking a convenient and durable food option.