A popular outdoor activity that’s as fun as it is delicious, barbecuing is a great American pastime. There’s an endless array of food that people enjoy slow-cooking, such as steak, pork, and chicken. Like many other traditions, barbecue had its origins outside of the country. Below is a brief history of how it was brought to the states before Americans made it their own. 

The Story of Barbecue

Origins in the Caribbean 

Humans have been cooking meat over a fire for centuries. However, the practice of barbecue and the word itself originated in the Caribbean. The Taino tribe slow-cooked meat on a wooden platform over a fire. When the Spanish explorers visited the area in 1526, they named the practice barbacoa.

This method of cooking quickly spread thanks to the explorers. By the 1800s, it was widely popular in the American South and became an important part of the culture. Because so much food could be cooked at once, it was often used for social gatherings such as weddings and parties on the Fourth of July.

American Variations & Food Preferences in Different States

As its popularity continued to spread throughout the colonies, each region created their own version of barbecue. The South, which was the first to adopt this style of cooking, had a lot of pigs native to the region. As a result, entire pigs and other styles of pork became the meal of choice. Corn also grew plentiful here, so Southerners paired their slow-cooked pork with cornbread.

Depending on where you venture to, you’ll be able to try various styles of barbecue-style food. Memphis, Tennessee is known for its pulled pork shoulder with a tomato-based sauce. Texans enjoy cowboy-style beef brisket grilled with mesquite, while residents in North Carolina like to smoke pig with a vinegar-based sauce. South Carolinians often prefer a tangy mustard sauce on pork. You’ll find smoked mutton in Kentucky and plenty of ribs in Alabama. The one trait that they all share is bringing people together for a delicious and hearty meal. 

JC Supper Club brings the proud American tradition of barbecue to St. Louis, MO. Visitors come from around the region to enjoy their tasty American cuisine, drinks, and karaoke during their extended happy hour. They have private dining spaces and catering available for your special event as well. See their menu online and call (314) 755-1923 to book a room.