A braai, that is cooking meat on a wood, charcoal or gas fire, is without question the most popular social activity in South Africa. The most hotly debated question linked to this activity is: should the braai be charcoal or gas fuelled?
Discovered by cavemen, perfected by South Africans
Cooking meat on a wood, charcoal or gas fire, usually out of doors, is the one thing that unites South Africans irrespective of politics, culture or race. We even have our very own annual National Braai Day on 24 September.
Health perspective
From a health perspective the question is often raised whether it should be wood, charcoal or gas fired. Unfortunately, combusting wood, gas or charcoal emits chemicals known to cause cancer in lab animals.
The fat dripping onto the coals or other hot surfaces during a braai is converted into cancer-causing compounds that in vapour form that cling to the meat and is later ingested when eaten. The worrying implication is that the closer and longer the meat, vegetables or fish is to the high heat source, the greater the chances of carcinogenic chemicals forming. To try and combat this, some experts suggest coating the food to be grilled with a marinade. When oil is used it should be an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or high-oleic safflower oil. Marinades using certain antioxidant-containing foods such as rosemary, garlic, cherries, citrus fruits and green tea, may also help reduce levels of carcinogenic chemicals.
Researchers at the Faculty of Natural Science of the ’North West University recently concluded a study to establish if a traditional South African braai could have a negative impact on one’s health. A comprehensive analysis of the spreading of atmospheric smoke and gasses originating from a braai, was conducted. In general, the results indicated that because of the relatively short exposure period of a typical, recreational braai, no significant health-related risks occur. ‘However, if these short-term results are extrapolated to longer exposure periods that is experienced by occupational vendors on a daily basis, it is evident that health-related risks significantly increase,’ said Dr Pieter van Zyl of this University.
Environmental and safety perspective
Gas braais are generally perceived as being cleaner and safer braai options. Gas braais are also more environmentally friendly because they do not require trees to be cut down and coal to be burned.
However, gas braais can pose serious safety hazards if not maintained properly. Blockages in hoses and tubes on gas appliances need to be checked and cleaned regularly. They also need to be protected against heat exposure. Broken and bent hoses and tubes can restrict gas flow and gas leaks can cause serious damage. Gas containers also need to be stored out of doors and according to instructions.
Briquettes (charcoal) contain unhealthy bonding agents and both wood and charcoal produce carbon monoxide when burning, which is detrimental to the environment.
Both gas and wood or charcoal braais are potential fire hazards and can cause severe burns and injury if not handled with care. The person doing the braaing should wear a heavy apron and oven gloves to prevent burns from flames or spattering fat.
The verdict?
Gas braais seem to come out tops as the safer, cleaner option. Charcoal braais are convenient and easy to get going but when you add the use of fire-lighters and other toxic fuels to the scenario, the health hazards start piling up. However, to the stalwartly South African braai enthusiast the traditional wood fire braai remains the only acceptable option.
Sources
Are there health risks with char-broiling and gas grilling foods? Retrieved from: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=138
Gas braais and the environment. Retrieved from: http://www.cadac.co.za/index.php?page=et-gas-braais2
Ispas, M. 2015. To braai or not to braai, that is the question. Retrieved from: http://www.sabreakingnews.co.za/2015/09/22/to-braai-or-not-to-braai-that-is-the-question/
Palmer, B. 2014. Goodbye to the braai? Retrieved from: http://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/goodbye-to-the-braai-1.1639105#.Vi4WOn4rJMw