South Africans do enjoy a good braai, there is no doubt about it. With a public holiday unofficially dedicated to it, it is no wonder that when September begins, and the weather warms up the braai comes out. And, no matter what you are braaing – meat, chicken or even plant-based – it is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate.
“Heritage Day in South Africa is celebrated by doing the one thing that is synonymous with being South African, braaing. Although this activity may have a different name throughout the world – barbeque, grill, barbie – South Africans have definitely made it their own,” comments Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for Chemico. Even the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a believer in the Braai Day movement and once commented, “We have 11 official languages, but [there is] one word for this institution: braai. It has the fantastic potential to bind us together.”
When it comes to getting your braai “Braai Day ready” TLC is needed to remove the winter cobwebs. It is recommended that at the beginning of ‘braai season’ and every few weeks after, your braai grill should be cleaned properly. Chemico Paste Cleen is suitable for all braai grills and exteriors and offers a thorough cleaning with a lot less elbow grease. Simply apply Chemico Paste Cleen with 3X extreme clean with Actibeads onto a wet cloth and rub onto the braai. Leave it for 5 minutes and then gently rub or scour the dirt off. Once it has done its job, use water and a braai brush to remove the grease easily.
Whether your braai is gas or charcoal, Heritage Day is just around the corner, and Chemico offers the following tips on how to get your braai in tip-top cooking shape:
When it comes to a charcoal or gas braai there are similarities in how to look after them:
Make sure to clean your braai regularly. Keeping braai cleaning utensils next to the braai makes it easy to give the grill a quick brushing to get rid of any fat or food residue from the last braai. Wait for the braai to warm up, as this will make it easier to remove any leftovers.
Your braai needs to be kept under shelter or covered-up to avoid any damage and rusting caused by the natural elements. A gas braai needs to be kept away from any heat sources, such as the sun.
Always remember to clean the inside of your braai lid, as this can also become full of grease and food bits.
For a charcoal braai, always remove the cold ash after every braai, this will make it easier when next you want to use it. Don’t use water, as this will only cause additional, unnecessary mess. A build-up of ash can also block the air flow which will make it difficult to regulate the temperature of your braai.
With a gas braai be sure to clean the burner mechanisms as well. They collect grease which can prevent them from working correctly. Wash them independently before using the braai, especially after a long period of time. Drip trays also need to be changed often as fat and other food items can build up. If not done regularly they can self-ignite while you are cooking.
So, now that the braai is ready, invite your friends, family and neighbours over, and enjoy Heritage Day, AKA Braai Day, by celebrating everyone in your life, in the true South African way.
