Barbecue: A Global History

Edible

by Jonathan Deutsch, Megan J. Elias

If there is one thing the United States takes seriously (outside of sports), it’s barbecue. Different in every region, barbecuing is an art, and Americans take pride in their special blend of slow-cooked meat, spices, and tangy sauces. But the US didn’t invent the cooking form, nor do Americans have a monopoly on it―from Mongolian lamb to Fijian pig and Chinese  char siu , barbecue’s endless variations have circled the globe. In this history of this red-blooded pursuit, Jonathan Deutsch and Megan J. Elias explore the first barbecues of ancient Africa, the Arawak origins of the word, and define what it actually is.
 
Traveling to New Zealand for the Maori’s  hangi , Hawaii for  kalua  pig, Mexico for  b arbacoa de cabeza , and Spain for a taste of bull roast,  Barbecue  looks at the incredible variety of the food around the world. Deutsch and Elias also discuss barbecue’s status as a masculine activity, the evolution of cooking techniques and barbecuing equipment technology, and the growth of competitive barbecuing in the United States. Rounding out the book are mouthwatering recipes, including an 1877 Minneapolis recipe for a whole roast sheep, a 1942 pork spare ribs recipe from the Ozarks, and instructions for tandoori lamb chops and Chinese roast duck. A celebration of all things smoky, meaty, and delicious,  Barbecue  makes the perfect gift for backyard grillers and professional roasters.

Genres: Food, History, Nonfiction, Cooking

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

The trivia gathered by Deutsch is very scattered over time, hence "history". And it is from all over the world, hence "global"

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

An admirable attempt to put down the history and current state of barbecue, but that's a huge ask for a 120 page book. This is a hotly debated topic with some very firmly held opinions, after all. Not sure if trying to go truly global was the best call. Barbecue means something specific for most people, and that doesn't generally include similar but different food traditions.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

for a book about the global history of barbecue, a lot of time sure is spent on america 🤔

[Alcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not breathtakingly interesting or informative but still an easy read and looks good on a shelf. Possibly a unique gift for someone interested in barbecue.