By Alice Park
It’s time to throw nearly everything you can think of—meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and even fruit—on the grill and give it a good sear. But what makes food cooked over a fire taste so good? Here’s the simple (we promise, it’s not that complicated) science behind what makes red meat red, when to take your food off the flame, and whether gas or charcoal is really better for that getting that smoky flavor, thanks to the experts at the American Chemical Society.
Photos From 'America's First Family of Fireworks'
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![Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2002](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/grucci-fireworks-fourth-of-july-7.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
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