Photo by Hari Nandakumar on Unsplash

What we all already know very well is that barbecue is a favorite way of preparing food for most people during the holidays. Another thing we also know is that the foods that are most often grilled are beef, pork, and some vegetables.

But if you consider yourself a real BBQ fan, are you familiar with some interesting facts about it? Do you even know that there is a difference between grilling and barbecuing? Here are some interesting facts about grilling that will entertain you and your friends.

May 16 is National Barbecue Day.

You may not know this but, May 16 is National Barbecue Day. If, as a true fan, you forgot to celebrate this day, don't worry, because May is National Barbecue Month! 

Texas owns the biggest Barbecue Pit in the World! 

Undisputable Cuz is the world’s largest BBQ pit located in Texas. This pit can grill up to 4 tons of meat in one go! 

Who Invented the Barbecue?

This is a real mystery because it is still not 100 percent revealed who invented the barbecue and where. One of the most popular beliefs is that Spanish, upon landing in the Caribbean, used the word barbacoa to refer to the natives’ method of slow-cooking meat over a wooden platform. 

Yet the real barbecue revolution dates back to the 19th century, in the American South. And because pigs were prevalent in the region, pork became the primary meat at barbecues. Today, pork is still dominant alongside beef. 

Grilling and barbecuing are NOT the same.

People very often talk about barbecuing and grilling as if they are the same thing, but they are not. Grilling cooks foods directly over the heat and barbecue uses the heat through convection of hot air. Also in American English usage, grilling refers to a fast process over high heat while barbecuing refers to a slow process using indirect heat or hot smoke, similar to some forms of roasting.

You can actually measure barbecue heat with your hand.

Some claim that it is not true, and some that it is. Either way, you can try and find out for yourself! Hold your palm five inches above the grill and count the number of seconds:

• 2-4 sec: 450-550F
• 5-7 sec: to 450f
• 8-10 sec: up to 350f

Independence Day is the most popular holiday for barbecuing. 

Holidays are a popular time for barbecuing, but which holiday is the most popular for barbecuing? It is Independence Day (76%). Labor Day and Memorial Day are tied for second place with 62%. Are you surprised or not? 
 

Almost 70% percent of Americans own a grill.

The hamburger is the ultimate ‘King of Fast Food’ in America. The burgers and fries are simply icons of American cuisine. Then you will not be surprised by the fact that approximately 70% of Americans own a grill, according to a 2017 survey by the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association.

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The most popular grilled main dish is a hamburger.

Although we can literally grill everything from meat and vegetables, people like to eat burgers the most. According to some researches, the 85% majority like to have a hamburger on their barbecue. Steaks come after, second place. In kids' opinion, hot dogs are their favorite meal.

The aluminum foil is not healthy?

Overall, Aluminum foil isn't considered dangerous, but little particles of aluminum can transfer from the foil to your food, especially at higher temperatures. Besides, some studies have found aluminum in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients.
 
If you want a slightly safer option, but want the food to stay just as tasty, try Grillmat! The Grillmat is a BPA-free, heat-resistant fabric made of PTFE fiber. This mat creates a non-stick surface to easily grill veggies, fish, chicken, and even pancakes. It also prevents food from falling through the grill. And moreover, the food still gets grill marks! Hurry up, get it with BREO BOX, the best subscription box for gadget addicts.
 

The world’s largest grilling lesson was in Kansas.

Kansas City, Missouri, is known as the city of barbecue. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest barbecue/grilling lesson took place in 2017 when 336 people got together at Arrowhead Stadium. The group has learned how to fire up the grill, how to grill a prime rib, roasted garlic, marinated pork chops, etc.
 

The barbecue of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee is almost always pork?

The barbecue of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee is almost always pork, often served with a sweet tomato-based sauce. Some of the favorite dishes in Alabama are hamburgers with sliced smoked pork, piled on hamburger buns and often topped with coleslaw.
 

Grilled tofu is your new favorite food.

One of the most delicious grilling foods for vegans is tofu cheese. Grilled tofu smells wonderful, and tastes even more beautiful. Besides, tofu is high in protein and has various benefits for people who go on a diet.
 

There are healthy grilling methods.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, cooking meat or fish over intense heat can potentially produce carcinogens. The healthier grilling method is to pre-cook the meat first to avoid the amount of time it’s exposed to the flame. 

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Removing corn husks is easy.

We all love grilling corn, but we all hate removing corn husks. Luckily, there is a simple trick. According to Chef John of Youtube fame, if you put each ear in the microwave for three minutes then chop off the bottom with a knife, the husks and silk will slide right off.
 

Men grill more than women.

Maybe we already knew this: men grill more than women. According to a study at Michigan State University, only 18% of the women surveyed said that they are grilling food in their household, while 67% of men stated they were the primary griller in their family.