Bring on the Barbeque – and Transform Your Party with Hardly Any Effort

For all the meat aficionados out there, nothing can compare with the smell (and taste) of meat cooking or having been cooked over an open fire. At the end of the day, when the work has been done, it’s nice to be able to sit back and relax with a drink in one’s hand, chatting with friends and family, whilst waiting for the delectable meat to be cooked. Afterwards, it’s literally a feast, with everyone getting their share and their stomachs full to bursting.

History of pig roasting

Pig roasting has been done for centuries – but do you really have any idea of where or how it originated? Granted, there are many theories out there, but it can be agreed that a hog roast started centuries ago, bringing people together for special events even then.

The pig roast turns any event into an extra special occasion

Image attributed to Wikimedia FASTILY(TALK)

The pig roasting tradition

There’s no denying the theory that hog roasting originated from the Americas. Some say it started in Cuba or Puerto Rico, while others say that it began in Hawaii with the ever-popular luau. Whatever the origin, the mechanics of hog roasting were simple (and have stayed simple to this day): roasting the whole pig over an open fire, which is called rotisserie-style roasting, roasting it ‘caja china’ style from Cuba in a box, or roasting it in a pit covered with leaves and palm fronds, amongst other well-known methods.

The common denominator of these pig roasts, whichever method was used, is this: that they all signalled the start of a celebration or special event. This is, perhaps, the reason why even until today, having a hog roast is seen as the beginning of a great celebration.

Cooking the pig

Today, basically anyone can roast a pig. But, of course, it entails the use of certain machines such as portable propane grills. Aside from this, only the experts can make sure that the pig is roasted clean through – the meat is tender and juicy, while the skin is crisp and golden. If you would like to have a pig roasted for your own event, you have two options: either do it yourself and rent a specially built propane grill, or hire the full services of a chef and a dedicated staff, who will take charge of all the preparations, including the erection of the grill, the cooking and serving, the cutlery and other dining necessities, and more.

Roasting the pig typically lasts for four to eight hours, but this also depends on the cooking method used. In some areas, pig roasts are done via a roasting box that is placed above ground over steel mesh and concrete blocks. Since it’s more difficult to roast a pig using this method, modern barbecuing is generally done with propane grills that do the job with hardly any effort on your part.

Meat that is tender, juicy, and falling off the bone – that’s how it should be. If you want your event to be extra special, you can’t go wrong with pig roasting.

Tom Van Cauwenberghe is a freelance writer who loves good food, especially at parties and events. He recommends getting a full-on pig roast service if you want an event that stands out.