Buccan

Buccan is a term with multiple meanings, primarily associated with the Caribbean during the era of piracy. It refers to a wooden frame used for cooking meat, particularly over an open fire, and also to the process of cooking meat in this way. The term is also used to describe a group of people, known as buccaneers, who lived on the islands of the Caribbean during the 17th century.

Etymology

The word 'buccan' is derived from the Arawak word 'buccan', which refers to a wooden frame used for smoking meat. The Spanish adopted this term as 'bucan', and it was later anglicized to 'buccan' by English settlers in the Caribbean.

Historical Context

In the 17th century, the term 'buccan' was used to describe a particular style of cooking meat, often pork, over an open fire. This method was commonly used by the buccaneers, a group of hunters and pirates who lived on the islands of the Caribbean during this period. The buccaneers would hunt wild pigs and cattle, and then smoke the meat on a buccan to preserve it. This method of cooking gave the meat a distinctive smoky flavor, which was highly prized.

Modern Usage

In modern times, the term 'buccan' is often used to refer to a type of barbecue grill or smoker. This reflects the historical usage of the term, as the design of these grills is often similar to the wooden frames used by the buccaneers. The term is also used in the name of a popular restaurant in Palm Beach, Florida, known as Buccan Palm Beach, which specializes in dishes cooked in this style.

See Also

• Barbecue
• Smoking (cooking)
• Buccaneers
• Arawak

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