DES MOINES, IA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/20/2006 -- The return of winter weather may call for mulch on the perennials and covers on the patio furniture, but it doesn't have to signal hibernation season for the grill. In fact, according to a new survey* by the National Pork Board, more than three out of five (61 percent) Americans said they consider themselves "extreme grillers" who are willing to don a few extra layers and brave snow flurries for a grilled meal.

Once the temperature dips and the snow flies, it's easy to file the grill in the same mental category as the three-season porch: out of sight and out of mind. However, winter grillers cited a number of reasons for keeping the flame alive year-round, noting the best aspects of winter grilling are: the flavor (62 percent), the menu variety (47 percent) and the lack of clean-up (35 percent).

Read more at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=106947.