Expert: BBQ Woman - 7/9/2008

Question
Dear Madame
i am glad to ask you the following question.
I am a trainer in Lebanon in the project of worldlinks Arab region, et I am searching with my colleagues about the best way for grilling meat:
is there any difference between grilling using coal or grilling using electric instrument? and if there is a difference, which one is more healthy?
i appreciate your attention, and I am waiting for your respond with impatience.
accept my best regards


Houssam Mohiedine, Brenda Gazele
houssam, Brenda,

Answer
Hi Brenda,
There is an ongoing debate about which is better to use charcoal or gas when grilling. I tend to feel they are both the same as long as you are using lump charcoal that uses no lighter fluid as a starter.
They both create carbon monoxide.

In my area we tend not to use electric grills due to the fact it costs allot for electricity over gas. However for indoor cooking electric tends to be the way to go since you don't have to worry about carbon monoxide.

In regards to health of grilling the latest research suggests that the well done or charred meats pose the highest risk. The problem is due to the fact that cooking at very high temperatures breaks down the amino acid, creatine, in meats. When this occurs the chemical heterocyclic amines is formed. Heterocyclic amines are carcinogenic and are linked to cancer. (this also is an issue when you are cooking in a pan indoors)

One of the better books on the market which I believe is translated into Arabic is Barbecue Bible by Steve Raichlen. He did a primal grill series for PBS www.primalgrill.org and has traveled to 40 different countries to study their grilling methods. If you can get the Primal Grill series its pretty good.

There are allot of things that will contribute to cooking of any sort being more healthier. Adding fruits and vegetables and consuming in variety as well as moderation always tends to be the key to life.

For me one the the biggest joys I get is watching people enjoy what I have created with my own hands. Good friends and good food is the best combination of all time.

I hope I helped you if not feel free to ask more questions.

Happy Grilling!
Regards,
Misty