The sounds of grilling meat and the smell of roasting food are sensory experiences that connect to the very centre of who we are as humans. Cooking on an open flame and roasting meat and vegetables are pivotal parts of the story of humanity’s rise from the beginning of time to our place in the world today.
Kirsty from The Garden Living Company says, “This process has changed drastically from the rudimentary and utilitarian it once was to a streamlined, technologically advanced art form. BBQ has played a large role in shaping culture and culinary trends, making it one of the most influential cooking styles to date.”
Origins of the Cooking Techniques and Word “Barbecue”
After the discovery of fire, humans defaulted to cooking meat in a pit, and it stayed that way for millennia. Many parts of the world found this same process effective and adopted it, eventually using green or wet wood to smoke meats without burning them. This was called some form of “Babakke” or “Barbacoa,” the origins of the word barbecue.
Indigenous Peoples to South America and the Southern United States: Influences on BBQ Traditions
When Christopher Columbus arrived in North America, the Indigenous Peoples were already cooking with these methods, using green wood to smoke their meats and fish. This allowed them to slow-cook their proteins and preserve them so that they could get the most out of each and every meal.
This low-and-slow method of cooking is the foundation for many types of BBQ styles that would come later. Spices, rubs, and other seasoning techniques have changed and evolved over time, as has the type of fuel used, but the fundamentals have stayed the same: low heat, smoke, and the right amount of time.
The Weber Brothers and Charcoal Briquets
The Weber brothers started a revolution in BBQ by creating a new type of grill, specifically designed for low and slow cooking. They cut a metal buoy in half and welded three steel legs to it, building a solid cooking apparatus for slow-cooked meats.
Charcoal briquets were another revolution that allowed for a new style of BBQ. The invention has been attributed to both Ellsworth B. A. Zwoyer and Henry Ford who played a role in developing and producing this new product.
Modern Trends in BBQ
The modern age has brought with it multiple advancements that have transformed the art of barbecue and brought this ancient tradition into the future. These changes have allowed BBQ culture to spread even further, allowing BBQ enthusiasts to experiment with new cooking methods and flavours.
- Digital Tools
Digital, wireless thermometers have made it possible to record precise food temperatures and decide when to stop cooking based on exact measurements.
- Social Media
Social media channels have made it possible to spread the love and joy of BBQ worldwide faster than ever, giving rise to a generation of ambitious, excited and creative BBQ enthusiasts.
- Precise Barbecue Grills
Whether you choose to use a charcoal, gas, or smoker, the precision with which these grills can cook is unprecedented. This allows BBQ chefs to try new recipes and methods more accurately than ever.
The Future of BBQ is Bright
As more innovative and creative minds get involved with barbecue, there will inevitably be more exciting changes and interesting evolutions in the BBQ world, which means the future is bright for all of those who love barbecue.
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