Healthy Grilling

Barbecues, bbqs or cookouts are summer essentials. Open flames of a charcoal or gas grill. The smell of the charcoal smoke. That sizzle when food hits the grill. There’s nothing like it.

The key is healthy grilling.

Some believe gas grilling is healthier since you can control the flame and avoid flare-ups. Other say indoor electric grills are another healthy option (more on that later).

With charcoal grilling you want to avoid charring which can cause the formation of cancer linked carcinogens HCAs/HAAs and PHAs. For more on Grilling

Here are a few tips for healthy grilling:

Clean grill grates to avoid old char touching new food

Wipe the inside of the grill lid

Line the grill with foil with holes or use grill grate liners

Try lean cuts of meat or trim visible fat and skin to help limit the amount of fat that drips on the hot charcoal or grill

Grilling fruits and vegetables are great PAHs and HCAs/HAAs don’t form

Marinate food and remove excess before cooking this helps limits the formation of these carcinogens while grilling (be sure to watch the salt level in bottled marinades)

Part cook meat, poultry, and fish and finish on the grill

Smaller portions of meat, poultry, and fish, helps cook faster

Grill a little longer over a medium flame (a spray bottle filled with water can help control flare-ups)

Do not press meat onto grill grates, where fat can drip and and cause flare-ups

Some research shows frequently flipping burgers may help prevent the formation of carcinogens

Baste sauces and glazes during the last few minutes of grilling

Remove food before covered in the char, cook til done (a food thermometer is key here)

At the end of the season fully clean the grill before putting it away

Few Grilling/Barbecuing food safety reminders

Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separated from vegetables and other food.

A food thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of grilled meat, poultry, and seafood.

Place all grilled foods on clean plates, platters or in clean containers, remember not on the ones that held raw food.

Happy grilling!