Canadians love to BBQ, Google stats show

TORONTO, Ont. - Canada's appetite for grilling is on the rise.

Statistics from Google show the country leads the world when it comes to online searches for recipes on how to barbecue chicken and ribs.

Online searches by Canadians for barbecue chicken recipes and rib recipes jumped 67 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively, compared to July 2011.

680News asked people near Union station their thoughts. Matt said during this time of year, he does almost all of his cooking outside on the barbecue.

"We've done stir-frys on the barbecue only because we can use all our pans on it," he said, adding that he also grills vegetables.

So what's behind this incredible barbecue love? Google said people want to cook outside just because of the heat and lack of rain.