Survey Result: The Tarhill State is a Winner

The poll recently closed to vote on the state with the best barbecue sauce. The state of North Carolina received the most votes for having the best barbecue sauce. The interesting part about barbecue sauce in North Carolina is that it changes with the region. Eastern North Carolina is the home of vinegar based sauces while Western North Carolina is home to barbecue sauces which are more tomato based (ketchup, tomato paste, etc.). I have read that barbecue sauce in Western North Carolina, especially in the Piedmont, is often called Lexington Dip, named after a city in that region.

North Carolina

 

It is important to understand that North Carolina is similar to Tennessee in culture. The culture of the eastern part of the state was much more impacted by slavery, segregation, and all those things we learned about the South in fifth grade history compared to the western part of the state. The western part of the state, much like East Tennessee, is mountainous and relatively cool compared to other parts of the South. Obviously, geography and culture impacted the barbecue traditions of people in North Carolina.

Below I have listed a recipe for a typical Eastern North Carolina barbecue sauce. I have used this recipe, and it tastes great. I have put the sauce on pulled pork and ribs with equally tasty results. I also have attached a video explaining North Carolina barbecue and another video explaining Lexington Dip. I highly urge you to take two vacations to North Carolina, one to the eastern part of the state and one to the western part of the state. You will not only enjoy the barbecue but also the sights, sounds, and people.

The next poll question will be posted tonight. I encourage you to participate!

North Carolina Vinegar Sauce

http://www.meatwave.com/blog/barbecue-sauce-recipe-north-carolina-vinegar-sauce 

Joshua Bousel Tue Aug 3, 2010

• Prep Time:
• 5 Minutes
• Cook Time:
• 5 Minutes
• Total Time:
• 10 Minutes
• Yield:
• 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Texas Pete's
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Procedure

1. Place all of the ingredients in a small, non-reactive sauce pan and bring to a boil. Whisk until the sugar and salt is completely dissolved, remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Pour the sauce into a jar or squeeze bottle and let rest in the refrigerator one day before using.

North Carolina Barbecue

Lexington Dip and East vs West