And don’t think that only a top-class chef can prepare delicacies on the grill! This art is accessible to everyone; you just need to have all the necessary products and equipment. And, of course, take advantage of the useful tips that specialists from the "Lidl" network have prepared specifically for our readers. ### Tip #1: How to choose a product? When there is an abundance in any retail space, it can indeed become a challenging task. What should you focus on — price, brand, or something else? According to experts from "Lidl", choosing based on the principle of "if it’s expensive, it must be quality" is already an anachronism: quality products do not necessarily have to be expensive — at least in the stores of this retail chain. Firstly, modern technologies and efficient production methods allow for the manufacture of high-quality products at lower prices. Secondly, global competition among manufacturers and retailers contributes to lower prices. Thirdly, thanks to an extensive network of international suppliers and investments, you can protect your customers' wallets from many adverse factors. Fourthly, actively collaborating with local producers can significantly save on logistics... But if "quality" does not necessarily mean "expensive," what should you focus on? "Lidl" experts recommend paying attention to the "Eurofins" label on products: this is a globally recognized mark that is assigned to a product after it has been tested by one of the leading laboratories of the same global network for food quality control. So, if you see the "Eurofins" label on the product you need, rest assured: it’s definitely in good condition! Even if it’s inexpensive... ### Tip #2: How to store? It’s no secret that summer in Latvia is becoming drier and hotter from season to season. And what happens to products in the heat if they are stored improperly? Right: they spoil quickly. At best, this means extra expenses (you’ll have to throw them out and buy new ones), and at worst — if, heaven forbid, you accidentally eat spoiled food — health problems. We certainly don’t want that, especially before the beloved holiday of Ligo?! Therefore, here are a few recommendations from "Lidl" experts on how to keep products fresh even in intense heat: - Before going to the store, make a list of what you really need: this will help reduce, or possibly even avoid, buying unnecessary products. - Plan your route through the store so that the most temperature-sensitive (chilled and frozen) products end up in your cart last — that is, so they spend as little time as possible at unsuitable temperatures. - In summer, it’s advisable to use a cooler bag to keep things cold — this way, temperature-sensitive products will definitely not spoil on the way home from the store — especially if the journey is long (or, even more so, if you get stuck in traffic). - The trunk of the car is not the best place for temperature-sensitive products: it heats up much faster and more intensely! - Before purchasing temperature-sensitive products, check if their packaging is damaged. And they should only be opened and thawed right before cooking! - If you still miscalculated and bought too much, you can store the remaining products in the regular freezer of your refrigerator. It’s advisable to use a vacuum sealer or airtight bags: the tighter the product is packed, the less contact it has with air and moisture, which reduces the risk of it spoiling quickly. When freezing, it’s better to divide fresh berries, mushrooms, or meat into smaller portions right away and only then place them in the freezer: this will make it much easier to use them later. And when it’s time to thaw, always remember: it’s safer to thaw products in the refrigerator than on the windowsill under the scorching summer sun! ### Tip #3: How to cook? So, everything necessary has been bought, the products are selected and stored correctly. Now all our thoughts are directed towards juicy kebabs, burgers, chicken wings, sausages, and grilled vegetables... However, "Lidl" experts advise not to rush. First, everything needs to be prepared — fresh and quality products, marinades, spices, charcoal packaging, etc. (by the way, all of this is widely available in the stores of the retail chain). Now specifically: **ACCESSORIES:** the grill itself and everything we need for cooking (convenient tongs, a meat thermometer, etc.). Even if you thoroughly cleaned your grill after last year's use, it still needs to be cleaned again before using it in the new season, and checked for cracks, rust, or mold. If the metal body is damaged, it’s better to replace it. **FUEL:** it’s best to use dry hardwood charcoal (for example, birch, oak, or apple) or quality charcoal and briquettes. Never use leftover furniture or wooden construction waste — they may contain harmful substances! **HURRY UP** — you’ll do harm: don’t rush to place the meat on the grill! You need to wait for the coals to heat evenly and turn gray. They should glow, not burn with an open flame. **PROPER TEMPERATURE** — is the key to juicy meat. To prevent it from drying out and becoming tough, the temperature needs to be balanced. You can use the "hand test" — if you can hold your hand above the coals for about 3-4 seconds, the temperature is right for grilling. **"NEIGHBORHOOD" ON THE SKEWER:** the distance between the pieces of product also plays a role. For fattier meat, the pieces can be spaced more loosely on the skewers, while for leaner meat, it’s better to space them more closely and complement them with vegetables: mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, or even corn. This will add juiciness. **PROPER TIME:** even if you and your guests are literally dying of anticipation, it’s essential to adhere to the cooking time. Moreover, the wait is not that long: sausages will take about 8–10 minutes, chicken wings and kebabs about 15–20 minutes, and pork kebabs about 20 minutes. An important point: always consider the thickness of the pieces of meat. **MEAT NEEDS TO "REST"!** This means that you shouldn’t serve the meat immediately after taking it off the grill. To retain juiciness and enhance flavor, it needs to "rest" for literally a few minutes, covered with foil. Bon appétit!