Yes, You Can Grill That! 

Summer is here and it’s finally time to pull out the grill and throw a few parties or just enjoy it with family. Summer brings in a lot of local fruits and vegetables, and, believe it or not, most of them can be grilled.

Grilling fruits and vegetables provides a nice caramelization and robust flavor that you just can’t get from other cooking methods, and it’s a great way to show off the produce of the season.

So, the next time you have a BBQ or picnic, don’t forget to throw some fruits and vegetables on the grill!

Veggies

Grilled vegetables are a fantastic side dish or even a main course. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your family’s diet. Just about any vegetable can be grilled, but some of the best include:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Peppers (all kinds)
• Potatoes
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini

While most vegetables can go straight to the grill, harder vegetables such as potatoes, squash, and fennel will need to be pre-cooked beforehand or it will take forever to grill them. The best way to pre-cook these vegetables is by steaming or boiling them until they are slightly tender before putting them on the grill. This way, you can save time and still have perfectly cooked veggies.

Another great way to grill vegetables is in aluminum foil. This is best for harder vegetables such as potatoes or smaller vegetables susceptible to falling through the grates like green beans. Take a long sheet of foil, add one layer of choice vegetables, season with salt and pepper and fold over to make a pocket. Place in the grate and cook until tender.

Fruits

Grilled fruit is often overlooked, but it makes for a fantastic dessert. Fruits grill much faster than vegetables due to their high-water content, softer texture, and high sugar content so you will need to be more attentive.

Just about any fruit can be grilled, but some of the best include:

• Apples
• Peaches
• Plums
• Nectarines
• Pineapple
• Figs
• Pears

Fruit is cooked best over medium heat and the grates should be very clean. Pick fruits that are firm and just about to be ripe. Most fruits can simply be cut in half and placed on the grill. Other fruits like apples or melons need to be cored, peeled, and cut into large slices or wedges.

How to Prepare Fruits and Vegetables for the Grill

The best way to ensure perfectly grilled fruits and vegetables is by using vegetable oil or cooking spray. This will help to prevent sticking and make sure your food doesn’t dry out. Season your vegetables with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. For fruits, a little sugar or honey can go a long way.

If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. You will also need to oil the skewers so the vegetables don’t stick.

When you are ready to grill, make sure the grates are clean and preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

For vegetables, place them directly on the grill or use a grill basket. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping only once. For fruits, place them directly on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.

Is Grilled Food Bad for Your Health?

This question has been a controversial one for years, but there is no clear answer. Some studies have shown that grilled food can be carcinogenic, while others show that it isn’t.

The verdict is still out on this one, but if you are worried about the health risks, there are a few things you can do to minimize them.

First, choose leaner cuts of meat and trim off any excess fat. This will help to prevent the fat from dripping onto the coals and creating smoke—which can contain carcinogens, which can also form when meat is charred or burned, so try to avoid that as well. Carcinogens is a substances that can cause cancer.

Second, pre-cook your meat in the oven or microwave before grilling. This will help to limit the amount of time it’s exposed to high heat and also reduce the chance of charring. Pre-cooking your food will also help to keep it from drying out.

Third, use fruit or vegetable-based marinades. These are less likely to cause cancer-causing compounds to form than ones made with fats or oils.

Fourth, avoid using refrigerated marinades that have been sitting out for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow in these types of marinades and cause food poisoning.

Finally, clean your grill grates after each use. This will help to prevent the buildup of carcinogens. You can either scrub them with a wire brush or soak them in vinegar overnight so that you can easily wipe them clean in the morning.

Conclusion

Grilling is a great way to cook food and can be healthy if done correctly. And the better part is, you can grill vegetables and fruits! So the next time you’re at a cookout, don’t forget to throw some veggies or fruit on the grill and enjoy!

While grilling is a great way to cook your food, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to make sure it is healthy. By following the tips above, you can help to minimize the risk of cancer-causing compounds forming. So fire up the grill and enjoy!