10 Things You Didn't Know about Barbecue(BBQ)

Each spring, North Americans get their grills ready, stock up on meat, and get ready for lots of delicious barbecue. But how much do we know about the art of grilling? 

This list will help you wow your friends at your next neighborhood barbecue. We provide all the information you need!

1) Barbecue has its origins in the pig-pickin celebrations that were common in the southern United States before the Civil War. Pigs were boiled whole and eaten by crowds. 

2) 6000 years ago, "smoking" was used  to safely consume and store meat. The meat was exposed to smoke and low heat  to prevent the growth of bacteria and enzymes. 

3) In Australia, a barbecue are commonly called "barbies." The famous phrase "Il slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you.", which appeared in Australian tourism advertisements, is often used to refer to the country.

4) Barbecuing isn't really what most North Americans do today. Barbecuing is the long cooking at temperatures near the boiling point of water (180-220*F) to tenderize meat while retaining its natural juices. Today, the most popular method is the broiling: It cooks at 475-700蚌 for much less time.

5) According to the Barbecue Industry Association, half of all marshmallows eaten in the United States have been toasted over a grill.

6) To easily check how much propane you have left, take your bathroom scale outside and weigh your gas tank.

7) The etymology of the word "barbecue" is unclear. Some believe the food comes from the Native American word barbacoa, which means wood cooked. Another theory is that it comes from the French "de barbe ?queue", which means whiskers to the tail.

8) Add a smoky flavor to your gas grill or indoor food with Liquid Smoke. This product is a real smoke condensate and can be easily added to barbecue marinades and sauces.

9) Brisket is a very firm cut of beef breast that takes 1-2 hours per pound to cook. That's an average of 12 hours to grill a simple 8 lb piece!

10) Both Kansas City, Missouri and Lexington, North Carolina claim to be the world's barbecue capitals, while Memphis claims to be the world's pork barbecue capital.

You're set to impress now!