Did you know? Barbecues originated in pig-pickins, feasts that were common in the Southern United Statesprior to the Civil War. Whole pigs were cooked and eaten by the crowd.

A couple of pieces of trivia: According to the Barbecue Industry Association, half of all marshmallows eaten in theU.S. have been toasted over a grill.

Kansas City, Missouriand Lexington, North Carolinaboth claim to be the barbecue capitals of the world. Memphis, meanwhile, stakes a claim to being the pork barbecue capital.

Here’s a tip for you: For an easy way to check how much propane you have left, bring your bathroom scale outside and weigh the gas tank.