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Get your grills fired up and ready because it's National Barbecue Month! This month-long celebration, which takes place every May, is dedicated to all things barbecue – from mouth-watering meats to delicious sides and sauces. Did you know that the word "barbecue" comes from the Spanish word "barbacoa" which means "sacred fire pit"? It's been a popular cooking method since ancient times and has evolved into a beloved American tradition. So get ready to indulge in some finger-licking goodness as we celebrate this smokin' holiday!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Barbecue</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Spanish observed natives in the Caribbean using a cooking method on a grill made of green wood. They termed it "barbacoa."</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Barbecue in the United States</div><div class='timeline-text'>During colonies formation, barbecue established its place in American culture as a popular method for cooking meats, especially in the South.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Barbecue Competitions</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first reported barbecue cooking competitions began in the 1960s, turning the cooking method into a national pastime.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official National Barbecue Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Barbecue Month was first recognized in May by the National Barbecue & Grilling Association to celebrate and promote this popular cooking style.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Barbecue Hits Television</div><div class='timeline-text'>Barbecue culture spread in the US and globally with the advent of food-focused television shows and channels, featuring barbecue recipes and competitions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a barbecue cook-off</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a friendly competition to see who can make the best barbecue dish. Have everyone bring their own recipes and ingredients, and then let the taste test begin!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try new barbecue recipes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to try new and unique barbecue recipes throughout the month. You never know, you might find a new favorite dish.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a barbecue festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search for local barbecue festivals happening in your area and attend one with friends or family. You'll get to taste a variety of different barbecue styles and maybe even learn some tips and tricks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a backyard barbecue party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a backyard barbecue party. Set up some games, have some music playing, and enjoy some delicious food with the people you love.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of barbecue</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research the history of barbecue and its cultural significance. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for this beloved cooking method and maybe even find some interesting facts to share at your next barbecue gathering.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of great food and good times</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Barbecue Month is all about gathering with friends and family, firing up the grill, and enjoying delicious food together. It's a time to relax, have fun, and indulge in some mouthwatering barbecue dishes!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Barbecue brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's something special about the communal experience of cooking and eating barbecue. It encourages conversation and bonding over shared dishes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The flavors are unbeatable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From smoky ribs to juicy burgers to flavorful grilled vegetables, there's no denying that barbecue offers an unbeatable combination of taste and texture. No wonder it has become such a beloved American cuisine!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>More Than Just Meat: Barbecuing a Range of Foods</h3><p class='facts-content'>Barbecuing is not limited to just meat, other food items like veggies, fruits, and even pizzas can also be barbecued to achieve that unique smoky flavor.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>BBQ Styles Vary Across the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-content'>There are distinct barbecue styles based on region in the United States. Notably, Carolina, Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis are all renowned for their unique takes on barbecue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Charcoal vs. Gas: A Hot Topic Among Grilling Enthusiasts</h3><p class='facts-content'>While charcoal is famed for its imparting of smoky flavor, gas grills offer precision and convenience, resulting in a continued debate among BBQ lovers about which method is superior.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The 5 T's of Barbecue: Taste, Tenderness, Texture, Technique, and Temperature</h3><p class='facts-content'>Mastering these five elements is considered by many to be the quintessence of perfect barbecuing.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Barbecue - The Staple of American Tailgating Culture</h3><p class='facts-content'>Barbecue and tailgating go hand in hand in America. From burgers at a baseball game to brats at a Brewers' game, barbecue is a staple at nearly all tailgate parties.</p></div></div>
National Barbecue Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024 National Barbecue Month will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
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