History of Barbeque

Here are some interesting facts i found about the origin of barbeque and how it evolved into what it is currently associated with in today's context.

Some believe that barbecue was introduced by the Taino tribe of the Caribbean region. They used to keep the meat on a wooden platform above the fire, supported by sticks. Another way was cooking the meat in a pit made in the ground. This was usually practiced to preserve the meat from getting spoiled.

Another theory suggests that barbecue is derived from a French word, 'Barbe a queue' which literally means 'whiskers to tail' i.e. roasting the entire animal. It is also said that in the earlier times signs reading "Bar, Beer and Cues", were put up in front of the roadhouses and beer joints that had a pool table to attract customers and the name 'barbecue' has been derived from it.

Barbecue was introduced in America in the early 1800s, when cowboys were employed for moving cattle to the West. These cowboys were given meat that was hard and impossible to chew. They found out that cooking meat, directly on the fire for 5-7 hours makes the meat tender and edible. They also experimented with goat, pork ribs, beef ribs, venison and pork butt, and the results were delicious!

Barbeque in the traditional way is using wood or charcoal over a open flame and cooking the meat slowly over a long period of time. Nowadays, it is a popular event where people gather to eat and make merry. Gas barbeques have also become increasingly popular and the taste vary depending on the cooking style.

credits: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/history-of-barbecue-bbq.html