INTRODUCTION
Everything is bigger in Texas so to speak, this includes the food—particularly Bar-B-Que. Prepared in many different fashions across the land, Bar-B-Que (BBQ) is a highlight of the American diet. It’s a staple for some and a pastime for others. Some of the most, if not the most recognized BBQ in the country is Texas BBQ. Within Texas’s borders is the framework to legendary BBQ and its well-developed flavor. The different regions of the
state all bring aspects to the table or, more accurately, the grill.
This variety of culture converges in a perceptual region called the Texas Hill Country (THC). BBQ plays a crucial role in the THC because of its rounded representation from the whole state. It has become somewhat of a lifestyle to the folks who reside in the THC. This culinary practice has roots in different parts of Texas as well as the rest of the world. Everything involved with BBQ in Texas culminates in this region making it a perfect place to analyze true BBQ in a geographical sense. Though it has deep roots in the THC and Texas in general, BBQ has made its way from afar.
state all bring aspects to the table or, more accurately, the grill.
This variety of culture converges in a perceptual region called the Texas Hill Country (THC). BBQ plays a crucial role in the THC because of its rounded representation from the whole state. It has become somewhat of a lifestyle to the folks who reside in the THC. This culinary practice has roots in different parts of Texas as well as the rest of the world. Everything involved with BBQ in Texas culminates in this region making it a perfect place to analyze true BBQ in a geographical sense. Though it has deep roots in the THC and Texas in general, BBQ has made its way from afar.
Some believe the word BBQ is derived from the Carib Taino word, babracot, which is a style of grill used to slow cook meat. This method of slow smoking on grates over coals was brought to America in the 1600’s by Caribbean slaves. Over time the methods have been transformed by culture and the people behind the grill.
In Texas, the lore of the name BBQ boils down to a wealthy rancher with a couple names either Barnaby Quinn or Bernard Quayle depending on where you’re reading. Supposedly, he was a well-known pit master of his time who would make feasts of whole cows and pigs prepared over an open pit grill for his friends. The name BBQ comes from his brand that contained his initials B.Q. over a line or “bar” hence the term BBQ. The validity of the tale is unknown, but held truthful and supported by most folks in Texas. These significant factors that play into the THC BBQ style come from the THC’s geographical location environmentally and socially.
In Texas, the lore of the name BBQ boils down to a wealthy rancher with a couple names either Barnaby Quinn or Bernard Quayle depending on where you’re reading. Supposedly, he was a well-known pit master of his time who would make feasts of whole cows and pigs prepared over an open pit grill for his friends. The name BBQ comes from his brand that contained his initials B.Q. over a line or “bar” hence the term BBQ. The validity of the tale is unknown, but held truthful and supported by most folks in Texas. These significant factors that play into the THC BBQ style come from the THC’s geographical location environmentally and socially.