In this article, we're going to ignite your taste buds with an adventure to the mouthwatering realm of barbecue! From smoky ribs to sweet BBQ pork, we are going to uncover the history and rivalry of BBQ in the Southern United States.
History of BBQ
The evolution of the American BBQ is attributed to when Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean and discovered the indigenous people cooking meat over a low-and-slow fire, which the Spaniards referred to as barbacoa. Today we call this barbecue (BBQ for short).
This technique made its way to the United States to what is known as the BBQ belt. The BBQ belt spans the Carolinas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Texas. Each region has its own unique meat selections, cooking methods, and sauces. The unique flavors of each region include:
The Carolinas: Primarily use pork as their source of meat due to the large amount of pork that was affordable to raise in this region. In North Carolina, their sauces are more vinegar-based, which can be used to baste the meat as it cooks, while South Carolina uses more of a mustard-based sauce.
Memphis: This barbecue is cooked in a pit, primarily with pork (utilizing mainly the ribs or shoulders). Memphis is known for adding its dry rub to ribs, but can also include a wet sauce instead. Memphis has a sweet barbecue sauce using molasses and tomato-based sauces.
Kansas City: Offers the widest variety of meats including beef, pork, and chicken. Kansas City has one of the thickest sauces of all the regions because ketchup and molasses are the main ingredients, along with liquid smoke which gives a sweet and smoky flavor.
Texas Style: Known for its beef brisket and relies on oak to give the meats a smoky flavor. This style does not rely on sauces, instead, they are served on the side. This is why Texas is known for a thinner barbecue sauce made with tomato, chili powder, and cumin for a spicy kick.
Nutrition of Barbecue
Some barbecue foods can have a significant amount of salt and saturated fat depending upon the seasoning and type of meat consumed, which is not desirable for your heart health. When enjoying barbecue consider choosing a lean cut of meat such as chicken, turkey, or a loin cut. To include less fat while cooking, you can try marinating meats in a vinegar-based sauce which can also help prevent burning. If you're looking to reduce salt intake, consider preparing your own sauce at home, or purchasing a low sodium-based sauce or rub. Consider trying the different types of barbecue from each region to see which one is your favorite!