Five popular barbecue myths

Alexandra Gorsche © Conny Leitgeb Photography
25. June 2016 | 
Alexandra Gorsche
25. June 2016
|
Alexandra Gorsche

Does it have to be coal? What are the benefits of a beer shower? Spirit as a barbecue lighter? We debunk the most common barbecue myths.

Myth 1: Only a charcoal barbecue provides the perfect barbecue experience

For many, a charcoal barbecue is the most original and only way to barbecue - because only with charcoal can you get that real barbecue feeling and give meat the typical barbecue flavor. A matter of opinion. We only use the charcoal barbecue now and again, the main player is the gas barbecue, as it has a few advantages, including the fact that it is quick and there is no need to wait for the perfect embers. The flavor carriers when grilling are the so-called roasted aromas, the Maillard reaction, which is created from proteins when grilled food is seared. These popular aromas are also produced on electric and gas barbecues.

Myth 2: You should turn the food as often as possible

No, better not. Constantly turning meat does not cook it any faster, nor does it make it any juicier because it supposedly closes any pores. Meat, as a bundle of muscle fibers, does not have any! Frequently turned meat is often already black on the outside, but still almost raw on the inside, as the cooking process is interrupted again and again on the inside.

Myth 3: Beer improves the taste of meat

Please leave it alone. A shower of beer does not soak into the meat, but runs onto the embers or into the grill chamber. The only effect this has is not to improve the taste, but to create more dirt. So treat yourself to a cold beer.

Myth 4: Electric barbecues are healthier

It's not that simple ... An electric barbecue does not smoke, so there is a misconception that the lack of open flames makes the food healthier. However, even with an electric barbecue, the fat drips onto the heating rods and harmful substances are produced, just like with a gas or charcoal barbecue. If you want to avoid this, it is best to grill indirectly.

Myth 5: It only really tastes good with a lot of marinade!

Wrong, because thick marinade burns easily, spoils the taste experience and is unhealthy. Our tip: pat the meat dry before grilling.

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Five popular barbecue myths

Does it have to be coal? What are the benefits of a beer shower? Spirit as a barbecue lighter? We debunk the most common barbecue myths.