New York  - Hit with hard economic times, US residents are once again reaching for inexpensive Spam at the supermarket.

Sales figures are soaring for the legendary canned luncheon meat, a staple of US soldiers during World War II that was routinely skewered by Monty Python, the English comedy troupe.

Workers at Hormel Foods Corporation, the Austin, Minnesota-based producer of Spam, are doing plenty of overtime to meet increased demand, The New York Times newspaper reported.

Restaurants in Austin offer special dishes containing Spam, which consists of spiced ham and pork pressed into a loaf. Among them are Spamburgers, Spam and pineapple pizza, and even an entire SPAMarama menu. (dpa)