How US Army Technology Gave Rise to the McRib

Munchies ^ | Nov 24 2017, 2:00pm | Anastacia Marx de Salcedo

[Trillian]

The US Army pioneered restructured meats in the 1960s, and that technology found its way into beloved fast food menu staples.

I have been aging the Rib Shaped, Barbecue Flavor Pork Patty from Menu 16 on the shelf behind my desk since February 2012, when I was given it during a tour of the US Army Natick Soldier Research, Engineering and Development Center. By law, combat rations are designed to last for three years at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so I'm not overly worried about food poisoning. Still, it's definitely long past its expiration date. But the perfect occasion to taste my now-vintage Meal, Ready to Eat (a.k.a. MRE) never came along. Until now: the MUNCHIES theme week on fast food.

I scissor across the end of the pouch and tumble the rectangular "rib" onto a plate. The pebbly textured meat is caramel brown and crossed by four raised "bones." Not unappealing, except if you peek in the package. The meat juice is a bizarrely bright yellowish-orange; I quickly tilt the pouch up to keep it from splashing out. Following the civilized example set by our Tweeter-in-Chief, I slice off an end with a knife and fork. It's porky and slightly smoky, although there's a tinny aftertaste, probably from some of the preservatives used to keep it fresh so long. Using a couple of "wheat snack breads" and the packet of dark, oily "BBQ" sauce that came with it, I assemble a sandwich and take a bite. Not bad! Scatter a couple onion slices and pickles on top, and the whole thing would be pretty damn close to a McRib.

Which makes perfect sense. Seeing how consumers go loco for the ersatz baby backs when they appear at McD's, why wouldn't the US military want to provide a similar treat for

[thecodont]

The McRib tastes like pork, unlike spam that has its own flavor.

Banquet ("TV dinner") used to offer a pork rib (McRib) entree, but recently changed it to a "Backyard Barbecue" version made with pork and chicken. Looks the same, same sauce, but tastes a bit different, also drier.

[Balding_Eagle]

That one is often my ‘quick snack’ when I get home after a long day.

I add KC MasterPiece Original to it before microwaving.

Not the kind of meal you would want for Sunday dinner, more than good enough for an easy end of the day meal.

[Trillian]

[Trillian]

[ExNewsExSpook]

Most of the Purple Hearts being awarded to troops wounded or killed in the Middle East and Afghanistan were produced during the latter stages of World War II, in anticipation of our invasion of Japan and the expected casualties. The “stockpile” has been used through Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts. Gives you some idea of the number of killed and wounded we expected in the final ground campaigns of the war.