Barbecuing is the perfect idea of a get-together for millions of Americans as they flock around outdoor pits, ovens and grills that they have set up in the backyard of their houses. Americans love their meat slowly cooked. Those meaty, patriotic dishes slathered in sauce, barbecue is about as red, white and blue as American cuisine gets, and for true carnivores. It is one dish that is not eaten keeping in mind the appetite but satiety. The prevailing (and true) notion around is that, merely throwing meat on a grill is not barbecue. The real deal is cooked over indirect heat, usually a wood fire for a really long time (sometimes for as many as 18 hours). The resulting flavor is a smoky combination of meat juices, fat and spices or rub that had been added over the meat.
The origination of the word barbecue is still under smoke. Though the Spanish used the word barbacoa to refer to the method of slow-cooking meat over a wooden platform by the end of 19th century. The first half of the 20th century saw a mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to Northern cities, and as they moved, they took their recipes with them. By the 1950s barbecue joints owned by African-Americans had sprouted in nearly every city in America.
The Americans living in the southern regions developed a culinary technique. Pigs were prevalent in the region thus, pork became the primary meat at barbecues. Corn bread apparently complemented barbecued pork. Another reason being that, corn grew better than wheat (which was prone to fungal infections) in the southern regions. Barbecue allowed an abundance of food to be cooked at once and quickly gained popularity as a food that could be served in large gatherings like church festivals and neighborhood or outdoor picnics.
Barbecue styles are named after their place of origin: Texas, Kansas City, Memphis, North Carolina and Tennessee. Memphis is renowned for pulled pork-shoulder flamed in sweet tomato-based sauce. North Carolina does not stress over ribs and shoulder, it smokes the whole hog in a vinegar-based sauce. Kansas City prefers ribs slow-cooked in a dry rub. Texans prefer beef over pork. In the western segment of the Lone Star State, you’re likely to find mesquite-grilled “cowboy-style” brisket. Barbecue doesn’t require expensive cuts portions of meat as it is anyhow going to get slathered in sauce and cooked until it falls off the bone. Thus, Barbecue came to be known as a soul food and a dish that would please almost every American.
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4 Tips to Treat Common Symptoms of Stomach Flu
Read moreGastroenteritis, popularly termed as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a ruthless mix of symptoms. The most common cause of stomach flu are viral infections; however, it can also be caused due to bacterial or parasitic infections and food-borne illnesses. The symptoms of stomach flu usually last up to 14 days. The condition is a highly contagious one that spreads through an oral-fecal route. The most common symptoms of stomach flu are as follows:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cramping in the abdomen
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
Here are some tips to treat the symptoms of the stomach flu:
Drink Lots of Fluids
When affected by stomach flu, your body loses essential bodily fluids through vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. Therefore, it is important to consume these fluids to regulate the body’s water levels and stay hydrated. The best fluids to consume when suffering from the symptoms of stomach flu are as follows:- Clear liquids such as water
- Ginger and peppermint tea to relieve nausea
- Energy drinks that assist in electrolyte replacement
- OTC preparations
Additionally, make sure to avoid highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee or black tea. These can muddle with your sleeping patterns and further upset your stomach.
Follow the BRAT diet
Most of the times, people with stomach flu do not feel like eating. But when they do, it’s best to start with a BRAT diet. BRAT is the acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These four foods are easy to digest and a rich source of carbohydrates. They will replenish the vital nutrients in your body and give you the needed energy to function.On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid dairy products, fibrous foods, and anything that is greasy or spicy as it will further complicate stomach distresses.
Try Acupressure
Acupressure is a great technique that helps in alleviating nausea and other symptoms of an upset stomach. You can locate the pressure point P-6 by measuring the width of three fingers, starting from the bottom of your hand palm. Massage the area with your thumb for 2-3 minutes to experience relief.Medicate with Caution
Several people take to medicines for curing the symptoms of the stomach flu. However, it is important to note that stomach flu cannot always be cured with medications, and taking antibiotics will not help if the condition is caused due to a viral infection. Certain medications can be taken for stomach flu unless you suffer from a liver disease. They relive aches and fever and is less likely to upset your stomach. You can also take over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications to ease symptoms that are usually associated with stomach flu, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. -
Reasons why metal detection is such a popular hobby
Read moreMetal detection is a hugely popular hobby that has won the favor of numerous enthusiasts all around the world. You may wonder why metal detection is such an enthralling and exciting hobby that makes people go gaga over it. For a person who is consumed with the love for metal detection, answering what’s so exciting about it may be quite a task. Various people find different kinds of pleasures in it. Check out some of the reasons that make metal detection such a popular hobby.
Love of history
For some history buffs, the primary reason for embracing metal detection as a hobby may be the thrill of finding antiques and items that haven’t seen the light of the day for centuries. People interested in artifacts and archaeology may especially be inclined towards this activity. Many engage in it for their interest for ancient weapons that have sundry tales to tell.Love for collecting
Collecting sundry items is a popular hobby among several people. Some people may be able to satiate their love for coin collecting through metal detectors. Metal detection gives people the liberty to collect age old colonial coins and new age wheat pennies!Keeps you active
Believe it or not but metal detection is a great outdoor activity that keeps you alive and kicking. It is also a fantastic form of physical and mental exercise. Metal detecting keeps you going to new and far off sites and engages you in the most productive of ways.Financial gains
One of the most common reasons why some people are glued on and motivated to metal detection is for some extra bucks. Some people may delve into sites with the hope of finding valuable jewelry, gold coins or nuggets and sell their finds to earn some serious money! This may not always be the case. For most hobbyists, their finds are more meaningful to them than a few dollars.Adrenaline rush
Metal detection is quite an addictive and adventurous activity that gives hobbyists all the adrenaline rush a sport like mountain biking or rafting may provide. Hunting for antiques and bygone items in itself is an engaging and exciting pursuit. To top it up, finding and pulling out dirt laden rare and obscure artifacts is all the thrill you would ever want. What’s more, the activity gives you a reason to explore permitted public parks, beaches, woods and even your own private property!