Even the most devout BBQ lovers don’t stop to consider the history of BBQ sauce, where it came from, and how it got to where it is today. We wanted to take the time to walk you through the history of BBQ sauce, from the Carolinas to our hometown of Roanoke!

Personal BBQ Sauce Preferences

People take their BBQ sauce seriously, their favorites being as individualized as their clothing style and favorite holiday. Regardless of what’s on the grill (pork, chicken, ribs, etc.), people have specific tastes that they lean towards when cooking. But where did the countless flavors of barbecue sauce come from, and how did we get to where we are today?

It’s All History

The history of BBQ sauce dates back to 239 B.C. in China, when chefs used sweet-and-sour sauces on various meats for added flavor. Fast-forward to 1500, when European explorers discovered Native Americans using wooden planks to grill meat held over fires, early signs of original barbecue. When they returned home, they utilized this cooking method and even brought pigs home with them on future ventures! 

​Different Cultures Take on BBQ Cooking

In 1698, French West Indies chefs used lime juice and hot pepper on barbecue with meat; however, the condiment’s roots are speculated to originate in Africa. Using lime and lemon on meat is common there, along with other native spices. Later on in the 1800s, chefs began using vinegar and mustard-based sauces primarily in the southern region of America, which became a culinary sensation. Once people discovered its popularity, they began selling various versions of these sources in supermarkets to turn a profit.

​Early Virginia BBQ Sauces

Barbecue sauce made its way to Virginia, with different regions of the state offering various versions of the popular dish. The history of BBQ sauce takes us to semi-modern south-east areas of the state, where they used vinegar, tomato, and mustard, while northern areas utilized tomato, vinegar, fruit, and spices. The further we went, the more they relied on vinegar and herbs.

​Sauces Commonly Used in the Carolinas

​Early Native American sauces in the Carolinas used butter, vinegar, salt, and pepper, and were used to coat all animals cooked over an open fire. While originally used for basting and served without extra sauce on top, it eventually became common to purchase pre-made sauces in stores for both cooking and serving purposes.

​The Best BBQ Sauce, Roanoke, VA

It’s fascinating to discover the humble beginnings of our favorite modern sauces, discovering where they come from and how they came to be. We’ve taken the history of BBQ sauce and expanded on its origins, crafting new recipes to elevate barbecue to new Heights. If you’re looking for the best barbecue sauce in Roanoke, the best barbecue-style cooking, look no further than Due South BBQ, serving up amazing taste and authenticity in every dish!