Grilling food in the wilderness: yes or no?

 Grilling food is one of the most rewarding ways to cook in the great outdoors. What’s more salivating than the smell, sight, and sound of perfectly grilled steaks and vegetables? It is not something you do between four walls, it’s a cooking method that involves being outside. The popularity of BBQs is ample proof of that. However, in the wilderness, you won’t have the benefits of using them, unless they are portable BBQs. Of course, the benefits of grilling food are fantastic.

-It is a way to recollect a distant past and the primitive ways our ancestors cooked: by grilling or roasting.

-The variety of grillable food is huge: most types of meats, like sausages, steaks, but also many vegetables: zucchinis, carrots, onions, peppers, etc.

-It is a healthy cooking method. Grilling allows people to eat less fat and fewer calories. First, the meat’s fats drip off the grate, secondly; no need for butter or oil when grilling food!

-Grilled food preserves the good stuff for your body: meat keeps important nutrients like thiamine and riboflavin, and vegetables also keep their minerals and vitamins.

-Grilling brings you into nature and forces people to do rewarding activities: gathering wood, making a fire, feeling the sun on the skin, listening to birds, etc. Grilling is an active way to prepare food. Because it needs constant care: making sure coals are hot enough, turning the food, focusing on the task at hand, but also being mindful of what’s around.

-“Grilling parties” anyone? Grilling is a fun social activity. Friends and family can help in making memorable meals. Campfire grilling takes effort, but tasks can be shared among party members. Share the fun but share the work!

However, the downsides of grilling food should always be considered, even before starting a fire.

-It takes a bit of experience to be competent at grilling. But don’t let that stop you! The most important objective is: don’t overcook or undercook! That’s right, find the right balance.

-There are concerns that overly charred foods may contain carcinogens, that’s why it’s important not to overcook! Burned food does not taste good and is not healthy for your body. Undercooking constitutes a sanitary issue too. Adequate cooking eliminates potential bacterias and parasites.

-Grilling in the wilderness means making a campfire. Unfortunately, it is not always appropriate or possible to make a fire. Enough meal prep time is needed too. It’s challenging to control the heat of a campfire. And if you can’t stand smoke-smelling clothes, that’s an issue too.

-Sure, grilled food tastes fantastic, but are you sure it’s smart to advertise your feast in bear country? The smell of grilled food carries miles away. You may love perfectly grilled fish, but keep in mind that large furry creatures would not mind sharing that meal with you.

-The clean-up could be messy. Good luck cleaning the grate after overly greasy food prep.  

Keep in mind that grilling is not always the fastest and most convenient way to cook.