While this day is also recognized on May 16th, National Barbecue Day is celebrated on July 4th as well. What makes Barbecue, Barbecue? Well, barbecue, commonly abbreviated as BBQ, is when you cook meat on a low and indirect heat source such as charcoal or wood. This allows the meat to cook fully without interacting directly with the flame, and the smoke from the wood or charcoal creates a smoky flavor. Across the different regions in the United States, you will find a great variety of barbecue sauces, with each region offering its own individual spin. Some of the key regional styles include Texas BBQ, Kansas City BBQ, Memphis BBQ, and Carolina BBQ. Texas BBQ is more known for smoked brisket, beef ribs, and sausage. These meats are paired with a group of spices and herbs that are rubbed onto the meat before cooking, known as a dry rub, and minimal sauce, to enhance the smoky flavor from the wood-fired cooking. Kansas City BBQ focuses on a range of meats such as pork, beef, chicken, and sausage with a tomato and molasses-based sauce. This sauce creates and combines a thick, sweet, and tangy flavor. Memphis BBQ uses a tomato base similar to Kansas City but is on the thinner side and incorporates vinegar and mustard. Memphis primarily focuses on pork or ribs and is also prepared with a dry rub. Carolina BBQ focuses on pork and has a thin, vinegar-based sauce. BBQ is a big player in cuisine all across the United States. With a range of regional flavors, find which sauce fits your tastebuds, and enjoy barbeque this July under the hot sun.