CHARCOAL AND GRILLING

Well I want to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. That time of year where there will be cookouts going on and people enjoying spending time together and just all sorts of fun. But as we are cooking out I hope that people take safety precautions to be safe. I also want to share some of the dangers of charcoal use. First thing is:

Barbecue grills can be problematic for two reasons. First, both charcoal and wood burn “dirty,” producing not only hydrocarbons but also tiny soot particles that pollute the air and can aggravate heart and lung problems. Secondly, the grilling of meat can form two kinds of potentially carcinogenic compounds: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These chemicals that are released can do harm to our bodies and health. But there is a better alternative to the charcoals that are commonly used.

There are also a few things that you can do to minimize your health risks to charcoal us such as minimize flare-ups and the time that meat spends over the hot coals will minimize your risk of both HCAs and PAHs. For example, cook smaller pieces of meat, such as kabobs or pre-cut steaks, to reduce cooking times. Choose leaner cuts of meat to reduce fat flare-ups. Flip your meat frequently to reduce the heat the meat absorbs. And try pre-cooking meats in the microwave before grilling, a technique that the Harvard Health Letter says can decrease HCAs by 90 percent.

Another way to minimize your risks include removing visible fat from meats, moving coals so they are not directly under meat and cutting off charred portions from the meat before serving. Finally, experiment with grilled fruits and vegetables to take meat out of your grilling equation. Also consider useing Hardwood Charcoal.

Hardwood charcoal or lump charcoal is made by burning hardwood in a closed, low-oxygen, regulated environment. This produces a pure piece of hardwood carbon. Most hardwood charcoal doesn't contain any additives therefore making it easier to ignite. It also burns at a faster and more controlled rate than charcoal briquettes because of its sensitivity to changes in oxygen levels. Hardwood typically burns much cleaner and more hot than other charcoals and comes in different shapes and sizes. It is also a lot healthier then the traditional charcoal that is used and doesnt contain all the chemicals that will get in the food we are cooking or inhaled into our lungs.

This hardwood charcoal can be found at Whole Foods. It really is a better a more natural alternative then regular charcoal. Also the hardwood charcoal doesnt have all the chemicals in it that get in the food we eat.

So with that I hope that everyone will take the precautions to better your health and to enjoy this great holiday..Happy Memorial Day everyone!