CHARCOAL, WOOD, GAS? WHICH IS BEST?

IT’S A debate that has raged on for years. Which one is better? Charcoal, wood or gas?

Many are mostly charcoal and wood people.

But some people prefer the ease and convenience of gas.

So which one is best? Well, it depends who you ask.

Deena Naidoo says that although gas was convenient, he usually uses charcoal.

“I think it depends on the situation. But I prefer charcoal because it just has a good ability to retain the flavour. I use the gas rarely, when I am in a rush or after a long day, but charcoal is much better for a relaxed braai,” says Naidoo.

When he does use gas, he says, he prefers to use a gas flame for braaing or grilling.

Surprisingly, gas, wood and even charcoal are all a big no-no for Max Mqadi, owner of Max’s Lifestyle, the famous shisanyama restaurant in uMlazi. Instead, the secret to his culinary success, he says, is ordinary coal.

Mqadi started using coal several years ago when his business picked up.

“I use the coal that is used for trains,” he says. Coal is pleasing, doesn’t taint the meat and produces tasty, tender and quality meat, he explains. He orders it from Joburg and although it’s a bit pricey compared to charcoal, Mqadi says it lasts longer. “It lasts me a day.

“You can use charcoal when you’re having a small braai with your friends or family but it doesn’t last long if you’re running a business,” he says.

Shaun Munro is a gas fan, simply because charcoal and wood aren’t always ideal.

“The gas flame heats the volcanic rock over it, so it is actually the heated rocks that cook the meat. This creates an intense, constant heat source, allowing for great flavour,” says Munro.

Charcoal sometimes has a funny aroma, he says, and good wood is hard to find, so gas is his favoured method.

“It’s more practical and has a great grip on the meat.”

What we have found is that even though gas is easier to work with, it steams more than it smokes, which may mean your chicken skin won’t get as crisp or flavourful. Charcoal takes a little more finesse and there is a chance of flare-ups, but it also gives you richer, smokier flavours.

Wood takes longer and most of us don’t have the time. To get that wood-smoked taste, simply add wood chips to your charcoal. The trick is to sprinkle the chips over the charcoal, spray a bit of water on the chips and let the braai smoulder.

We also got a hack for solving the problem of wet wood.

Ashley Conquest, of Endless Horizons in Durban North, suggests putting sugar on wet wood.

“Sprinkle some plain white sugar over the wood and light with Blitz. The sugar burns at a high temperature which helps you increase the internal temperature of the wood, making it easier to braai with.”

EDITOR’S CHOICE

1. LK’s Kebab Grill Set (Chrome) – R216

The split design of the kebab / sosatie skewer rods ensure a better grip on the food for even cooking.

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2. Alva Roll Up BBQ Tool Set – R432

The all-in-one braai master set includes apron and tools.

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3. Eco Square Stand For Wood – R936

A metal rack for keeping firewood and kindling neatly organised, ready for your braai.

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4. MegaMaster Grill Rib Rack – R190

The ideal tool for grill BUY NOW masters to prepare juicy, flavourful ribs. Made of porcelaincoated steel, this handy braai accessory is designed to grill six racks of ribs at one time.

5. LK’s Braai Fan – R126

A hand-operated mechanical fan to get the braai fire started quickly and reduce the amount of smoke.

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6. Butchers Block Carving Board – R489

Favourite feature? The drip-through gutter to catch all unwanted juices.

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BRAAI WITH A VIEW

LIFESTYLE REPORTER GET OUT your braai tongs, rev your car engine and travel to these stunning locations for a Heritage Day braai. With more South Africans enjoying the outdoors safely, there are many places to sit back, relax and braai that lovely marinated meat. Here are some of our top picks:

1. Pines Resort, Krugersdorp, Gauteng

WITH the weather getting warmer, Pines Resort in Krugersdorp is just the place to cool down this Heritage Day. The resort offers water slide activities, swimming pools, and picnic and braai areas. There’s even a playground to keep the children entertained. Entry to the resort costs R120pp and tickets are only available through Computicket (a select number of spots are available). Located at 2 Ivan Smuts Ave, Silverfields in Krugersdorp. Call 011 955 3845.

2. Tala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

If you want to enjoy a morning game drive before your Heritage Day braai, head to Tala Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal.

Travellers can braai at the Rockpool area. Tala Game Reserve spans some 3 000 hectares, encompassing a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and wetland. It has more than 380 bird species, and plenty of big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and eland. The reserve in Camperdown is open from 7.30am to 5pm. Rates start from R80pp. Located at R603 Umbumbulu Road, Camperdown, Pietermaritzburg, 3202. Visit www.tala.co.za

3. Cape Point, Western Cape

Cape Point offers two braai sites at Olifantsbos, from where travellers can enjoy the picturesque settings around them.

Boasting the most breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery in the world, Cape Point has plenty for families and friends to do, including the famous funicular, food shop and curio stores. Entry fee is R80pp. Located an hour-and-a-half from Cape Town.

Visit www.capepoint.co.za/

4. Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Johannesburg

If you are looking for a place to braai, Rietvlei Zoo Farm is a great option, and they are open on Heritage Day from 9am to 6pm. The farm boasts a range of recreational and family outdoor activities, including the Rietvlei Trails. Their Picnic Park is set amid beautiful gardens and lawns, and has lapas and braai areas. Entry to the farm is R40pp. Located at 101 Swartkoppies Rd, south of Johannesburg. Call 079 041 1488.

5. Select Durban beachfront spots, KwaZulu-Natal

The Durban beachfront is everyone’s favourite haunt. And with good reason. You have the warm, inviting Indian Ocean and glorious sunshine, while your feet sink into the golden sand. There are designated braai spots at the Durban beachfront. One can braai at the Country Club (known as Sun Kist) or Blue Lagoon.