By Joshua Grigsby
MSNHA graduate assistant
Talking to a co-worker today made me think about how much culture changes over relatively small distances. We began speaking about accents and how they are much different only 50 miles away. Much like accents, food culture also changes based on regions, and I can’t think of a better example of that than Southern barbecue. There are many ways to prepare barbecue, but each
version is unique to that region.
Just a bit about me in relation to barbecue. I was born in Florence, moved to Texas when I was 3 years old and then moved to North Carolina, where I lived here until eighth grade. I moved back to Alabama until I graduated high school and then moved back to Texas for college. Having lived in three powerhouse barbecue states — North Carolina, Texas and Alabama — I noticed cultural differences among the three states’ barbecue offerings. The no. 1 difference I can think of is the type of slaw served with the meat. Mayonnaise-based slaw is the most common across the South, but in my travels I have discovered regionally unique slaws. North Carolina has a specific tomato-and-vinegar-based red slaw. Alabama has white sauce and vinegar-based & mustard-based slaw. Texas has mayonnaise and vinegar-based slaw but uses beef instead of the more common pork that Alabama & North Carolina favor.
And, of course, like the regional confusion of what “tea” means, the word “barbecue” is used to describe different things in different areas of the country. Order “tea” in the South & you’ll get a tall glass of tea poured over ice. Anywhere else, you get a cup, hot water & tea bags. Similarly, “barbecue” in the South is a noun meaning either 1) a day spent lovingly cooking meat such as ribs, brisket or a pork shoulder that will become a pulled-pork sandwich (or, here in northwest Alabama, the best topping for a baked potato) OR 2) the food resulting therefrom. However, in the North, “barbecue” is any outdoor gathering featuring food cooked on a grill–an event termed a “cookout” in the South. Sadly, there are many tales of displaced or visiting Southerners who are invited to a “barbecue” but, disappointedly, arrive to find only hamburgers and hot dogs.
I have tried my fair share of barbeque in many different versions, but I want to hear about your experiences. Have you ever tried any of these slaws? What do you think of when you hear the word “barbecue”? Also, thinking culturally, what are some things you have encountered that change across regions?
Here are links to some great slaw recipes:
Your favorite barbecue is perfect for watching games on TV, enjoying outside with friends & family or ordering at one of the many barbecue spots in northwest Alabama. Enjoy!
