Health and other associated issues - Tips, Information and Guides
The Truth about BBQ Sauce
by: Owen Miller Barbecue sauces have a uniquely Southern and Western U.S. history. Most
experts agree that the practice of adding sauce and spices to meat and fish
began early in our history, with Native Americans teaching the art to early
European settlers. The natives probably developed the process as part of an
attempt to keep meats and fish from spoiling quickly. Salt played a major role
in those early barbecue sauces, and salt is a well-known preservative in the
meat curing process. Because the nations first European arrivals lived on the East Coast of
America, that part of the country is credited with spawning the original
barbecue sauce styles. First and foremost, there are the various Carolina
barbecue sauces. The most widely known are East Carolina, Piedmont, and South
Carolina varieties. East Carolina barbecue sauce consists of vinegar, salt,
black pepper, and crushed or ground cayenne peppers. Its a very simple sauce
that penetrates the meat nicely for a deep flavor. Piedmont barbecue sauce only
varies from East Carolina in that it often includes molasses or Worcestershire
sauce and thus clings to the meat more. South Carolina sauce is entirely
different, using a mustard base instead, producing a much tangier and sharp
flavor. Then there is Memphis or Southern style barbecue sauce. This popular
variety is typically more complicated (flavor-wise) and is built around mustard,
tomato, and vinegar. Fans often point to the boldness of these flavor
combinations as the hallmark of Memphis barbecue sauce. A saying often heard
among hungry connoisseurs is no two bites alike. Continuing our trek westward, we come to the acknowledged center of the
barbecue universe Kansas City! Kansas City barbecue sauce is distinguished by
its noticeably thicker consistency and emphasis on sweetness. Thats because this
style of sauce is built upon thick tomato sauce, chunks of vegetables, and lots
of sugar. Many popular commercial brands are based on this Kansas City recipe.
It’s most popular among amateur backyard grillers because of the
availability in grocery stores (Kraft, Heinz, K.C.s Masterpiece, etc.). And also
because the thick sauce can be applied only once and enough will remain in place
to please the happy recipients of the grilled meat. Finally, there are the Texas barbecue sauce styles. Now, Texas is one big
state, and there are several regional varieties within it. The most common
include thick and spicy sauces that are essentially spicier variations on the
Kansas City sauces. These are found mostly in the north and east sections of the
state (Dallas). In western Texas, thinner sauces that feature hot peppers can be
found. These sauces are often added only at the very end of the barbecuing or
grilling process. And then, in southern Texas, the barbecue sauce of choice
features an emphasis on Mexican spices and, of course, jalapeno peppers! Make
sure to have a cold beverage handy to put out the fire!
About The Author
Owen Miller is the town expert on barbecuing and on barbecue sauces to
make you drool. To get the information you need to be the top barbecue sauce
guru in your town, check out Owen's bbq sauce resource center at
http://www.bbqsaucezone.com. |
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