Did you know that cooking outdoors can make you healthier? You might find this hard to believe, but some research studies found that you’re exposed to lesser chemicals and gases when you cook outdoors, while others discovered that some outdoor cooking methods like grilling help to create leaner meals.
To this day, outdoor cooking is a prominent practice in many nations across the world. And provided that you’re following the necessary safety precautions, you can enjoy several benefits for your body and mind. Without further ado, here are 8 reasons you should be cooking outdoors this summer.
1. Enjoy Unique Tastes
The methods you’d typically employ while cooking indoors will likely differ in significant ways from when you cook outdoors. When grilled over an open flame, your food’s surface will get caramelized, creating grilled marks that give a smoky taste.
Whether it's searing the surface of a steak or browning the edges of a vegetable, cooking outdoors enhances the flavor and texture of your food, adding to its deliciousness. Try the Big Chief or the Masterbuilt electric smokers to begin cooking outdoors.
2. Connect With Nature
Cooking outdoors is a great way to immerse yourself in nature. The experience of preparing food surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of nature can be truly invigorating for your senses. You should view this as an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature, enjoy the fresh air and feel a sense of calm when preparing a meal, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
3. Cook Using Different Techniques
If you choose to cook outdoors, you’ll be exposed to a wider range of cooking techniques than traditional indoor cooking methods. Grilling, smoking, and roasting all offer multiple opportunities to experiment with different flavors and textures.
Each technique offers an exclusive way to prepare food and allows you to be creative and try out new recipes that you might not have thought of otherwise.
4. Release Stress
Have you ever felt a fresh breeze envelop you as you prepare a meal for yourself? If you've cooked outdoors on a spring afternoon, then you know exactly what this means. Cooking outdoors can be quite therapeutic and helps reduce stress.
The changing environment, the rhythmic work of preparation and cooking, and the soothing sounds of nature create a soothing atmosphere. It allows you to unwind from your daily grind and focus on the simple pleasures of life like food preparation, which can have a positive impact on your overall health.
5. Explore Healthier Cooking Methods
Another important advantage of cooking outdoors is that it introduces healthier cooking practices to your repertoire. Grilling, for example, allows excess fat to fall off the food, resulting in a leaner meal. The direct heat of the grill preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of your food.
Additionally, outdoor cooking often uses fresh, seasonal, and less processed ingredients, contributing to a healthier, more balanced diet. That’s why you might benefit by getting yourself quality grilling appliances like the Big Chief electric smoker.
6. Spend Quality Time With Friends
Outdoor cooking is often a social event that brings people together. Whether it's a garden barbecue with family and friends, a picnic in the park, or a camping trip with loved ones, cooking outdoors promotes a sense of community and fun together. It provides a relaxed environment for conversation, laughter, and socializing, making meal preparation fun and social event.
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7. Encourages Use Of Fresher Produce
Outdoor cooking can encourage you to connect with the seasons and make the most of local produce. You can take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients available from your local Farmer's Market or use what you grow in your own backyard.
This not only supports local farming but also ensures that you use the freshest, most delicious ingredients in our meals. Incorporating seasonal, local ingredients into your outdoor kitchen not only enhances the flavor of your food but also promotes sustainability and a connection to the food you prepare.
8. Cultivate A Sense Of Adventure
Finally, preparing meals outdoors can spark a desire in you to go on culinary adventures and explore new cooking techniques. Whether you're trying out recipes over an open fire, learning the art of smoking meat, or discovering local flavors on a camping trip, cooking outdoors adds an adventurous element to your culinary journey. It broadens your culinary skills, expands your palate, and opens the door to exciting new flavors and culinary experiences.
To make your outdoor cooking experiences user-friendly and enjoyable, you should consider investing in a quality grill and smoker. One option is the Masterbuilt Gravity Series, which comes in two sizes, 560 and 1050 respectively. There’s also the Big Chief Front Load Electric Smoker that’s perfect for cold smoking.
Luckily, Pioneer Smoke Houses reviews various smoker grills and shares helpful tips to help you find the best smoker for you and your family. This is also a great investment to learn new and healthier cooking techniques.
The blog also features various reviews of these products, discusses multiple cooking methods, and offers numerous recipes that you can replicate on your own. For more information, you can visit the blog.
About The Author
Robert Cole is an electric smoker expert who reviews some of the leading electric smokers (Big Chief, Masterbuilt, etc.) and tests various recipes to share with his viewers. For smoking tips, grill preparation, and new recipes, visit his youtube page at @pioneersmokehouseschannel.
His work can also be found on his blog with the name Pioneer Smoke Houses.
