Interesting Things to Know About a Barbecue

By on October 13, 2012

Barbecue is a method of grilling food, usually by placing meat over fire. Firewood is stacked up for this purpose, especially charcoal. It is normally done outdoors. The meat is smoked and cooked over the charcoal or firewood. When cooking in this manner, more smoke than fire is used. This is common for most cultures all over the world.

It is believed that this method of cooking originated from the Caribbeans into other cultures. Many say that the word “barbecue” originated from the word “barabicu” among the Caribbean people and later it was translated into other languages. The word was later changed into “barbacoa” after it entered the European languages. Barbacoa is a grill used for cooking meat usually with a platform made of wood.

Barbecue refers to a much faster cooking process over high heat. It is done directly. A smoker is used with a separate fire box. The smoke, preferably hot, is normally drawn over the meat.

There are various cooking techniques as follows:

Smoke is a technique using temperatures around 240-260C. This method takes much more time than any of the others but is well known all over the world.

Baking is another technique. Mostly a masonry baking oven is used in this case. Baking employs moderate temperatures. It is fast compared to the smoking technique.

Then there is braising. Electric or gas charbroil is used. It is normally done by putting a pot on top of a grill which is then covered and left to simmer for a few hours.

Direct dry heat can also be used. This technique takes the shortest time compared to any other. It is the best choice for quick events and often used by restaurants.

Barbecue is a slower method of cooking compared to grilling as it uses less heat. However, in large restaurants barbecue is done in metal ovens usually designed for that purpose.

Traditionally barbecue was done in times of festivals or celebrations. Today, it is also done for business.

There are several types of traditional barbecue and just about anything can be cooked over a fire in such a manner. They include:

• Pork

• Beef

• Goat

• Chicken

• Lamb

• Fish

• And others

See Most Expensive Meats in the World.

You may have wondered why barbecue is done using smoke. Well, smoke is believed to add flavor to the meat. However to make any barbecued food delicious, you must choose the right kind of firewood as different kinds of woods give off different kinds of flavors. Wood suited for this kind of cooking and making smoke has to be hard and resin-free to as not to spoil your meal. Barbecue can also be done by using gas as a fuel. Pre-soaked wood can be used to provide smoke.

Caution! When it comes to barbecue you must ensure safety. Avoid food poisoning! Carbon Monoxide is a well-known cause of food poisoning. When using charcoal, it should be done outdoors to allow good aeration.

People are attracted to barbecue and everywhere they are learning how to prepare food in this way. It is a skill which is now widely spread in all the continents and being used for both celebrations and business purposes. Talking of barbecue is a hot conversation item for most when it comes to events or celebrations.

Learn more about gas barbecue grills and check out Johns site for more reviews on barbecue and cooking.

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