July is almost here and it happens to be National Grilling Month. It is a time to celebrate with your favorite foods, alongside family and friends. Go outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer, with flavors from the grill.
Grilling offers the opportunity to eat a varied selection of proteins such as beef, chicken, wild game, and seafood.
Maybe you fancy grilled fruits and vegetables? You can experiment with rubs, herbs, or marinades.
Smoked or not? Direct or indirect heat? Perhaps, a grilled salad? Tofu anyone? The options are endless.
One tool all grillers should have in their toolbox is a thermometer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “foods should be cooked hot enough to kill harmful germs and be maintained at 140°F until grilled food is served”.
Recommended internal temperatures are:
| Beef, pork, lamb, veal: | 145°F | Hamburgers, Ground Beef: | 160°F |
| Fish: | 145°F | Poultry, Hot Dogs: | 165°F |
Other tips for grilling safely are to wash your hands before and after handling raw meat; keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods; refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; and discard leftovers after 4 days.
Grilling food is a healthier option than frying, as fat contained in or on the food drips out; vitamins and minerals are preserved, and calories are lowered. According to Extension Program Specialist Julie Tijerina, “other health benefits of grilling include the promotion of family bonding, passing of traditions, creating memories, and overall positive well-being.”
Take advantage of all the benefits that grilling has to offer:
- Grilling brings family and friends together.
- Grilling brings out smiles, cheerfulness, stress-relief, and uplifted moods.
- Grilling provides entertainment, time to visit with loved ones, and time to make memories.
- Grilling provides fresh air and Vitamin D (sunshine).
- Grilling provides an opportunity for children and teens to learn about cooking.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers these resources, including grilling recipes and fundamentals for your grilling enjoyment.
For more information contact your Denton County Extension office at [email protected] or 940-349-2888.
