American barbecues have been a tradition of this country for generations upon generations. In fact, the first barbecue can historically be traced back all the way to the colonial era. Native Americans utilized a grid of sticks that helped to dry and smoke meats instead of cook or roast them. They would hold the meat high above the fire and allow the fire to smoke and preserve it. Colonists also took this concept into practice and combined with Western European roasting traditions. The South were especially known for taking hold of this practice and utilizing it as a primary form of social entertainment throughout the 18th century. This provides evidence that barbecues have been a longstanding and important tradition of America for such a long time. It symbolizes our history and culture and we as Americans should be proud of our own barbecue traditions. Keep in mind that America isn’t the only country that barbecues, and we certainly are not the first to invent. There are many countries that have their own version of a barbecue and they are all so uniquely different. Here in this article, we will delve into the characteristics that comprise a traditional American barbecue. They are certainly unique and delicious!

Traditional American Barbecue

  So what exactly is a traditional American barbecue? What can someone expect to see or experience? Well certainly, there can be some regional differences in American barbecues since America itself is such a large country with different regional cultures and practices, but here are some common characteristics that comprise different barbecue styles around the country!

North Carolina’s Barbecue Tradition

• Eastern North Carolina enjoys utilizing meat from an entire pig when it comes to their most traditional barbecues. In this state, you can expect shredded meat from a pig that is doused in any sort of pepper and vinegar sauce. The state tends to go for barbecued pork and thin vinegar sauces when it comes to crafting their traditional barbecue style and it is certainly delicious!

Memphis, Tennessee Traditions

• Like North Carolina, Memphis enjoys pork as their most popular meat choice, but they tend to not only enjoy wet rubs like Carolina, but dry rubs as well. Dry rubbed ribs with a sauce on the side is how you can typically expect a Memphis Barbecue to be like. If you do end up opting for wet ribs, it certainly won’t be vinegar flavors like Carolina, rather that sweet and tangy barbecue flavor instead.

Texas Brisket Tradition

• Texas is certainly another infamous barbecue state. They certainly have a reputation for offering some of the best barbecue dinners out there! When it comes to Texas, barbecuing is typically done with cattle and beef brisket, unlike the other two states. In Texas, almost all barbecued meats are cooked without sauce. Their flavors generally come from meat that has been rubbed with spices and smoked to perfection, with the sauce typically served on the side!

A Common Barbecue Tradition That All Americans Share

I spent some time talking about all of the common barbecue traditions of different states within America, but I think it is important that we don’t lose focus of the main tradition of American barbecues that everyone all over the country shares. That tradition being the power of bonding, family, and friendship. Barbecues, no matter the style of the food, or where it comes from, will always be deeply rooted in the tradition of growing and maintaining bonds of friendship and family. Food is just one aspect of it, but the ability to socialize and spend quality time with the ones you love, is an additional barbecue tradition that should never be overlooked! Don’t forget that even as you lose yourself in trying to create the most perfect barbecue entree, that you should always remember what the real importance of a barbecue is! Even in times where we must socially distance, let the barbecues that we hold quietly and privately at home, remind us of the people we love and appreciate in our lives. That is the true and most powerful tradition of the American barbecue.