A co-worker of mine had a peach tree come down in a storm a little while back. He brought me a box of chunks. It currently looks like the picture. Do I need to let it dry out before cooking with it? Is it ok for the bark to still be on?
I know absolutely nothing about this, but I would let it dry until there is no sap in it. Sounds odd and silly, but if it is sticky, I think the smoke suffers. We shall see how the smoking elders weigh in..
Not to encourage spending money on more toys .... but ... you could buy a moisture reader and measure the moisture content of the wood. Different smokers might like different moisture levels but you often here the kiln dried is too dry (<10%) and of course there is too wet. Too dry and the wood burns too hot and fast and you don't get the "good stuff" that imparts the smokey flavor.
I have a KBQ and it likes 25-30% moisture content for various reasons. I got my meter on Amazon and use it to verify my wood every cook. Of course after using one for some time or having years of experience one does not need the meter and just "knows" by weight and feel or even knocking the wood on something and listening for the tone. So depends on experience and if you like digital tools.
I am not sure how to advise on the bark portion of your question.
Scotch: Current favorite- The Arran (anything by them), Glenmorangie 12yr Lasanta, sherry cask finished. The Balvenie Double Wood, also like Oban 18yr, and The Glenlivet Nadurra (Oloroso sherry cask finished) among others. Neat please.
About meReal name: Aaron
Location: Farwell, Michigan - near Clare (dead center of lower peninsula).
Occupation:
Healthcare- Licensed & Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at MyMichigan Health, a University of Michigan Health System.
Are you just tossing a chunk or two on some charcoal? If so, hack 'em up and use the chunks now, no harm at all. If you're going to use them as the whole of the fuel, as in stickburning, I'd give it a bit.
Also, Harbor Freight, Amazon, etc sell inexpensive moisture meters, I wanna say they're about $15 give or take, and if you can score one wait until the wood 's about 25% moisture give or take. Hint, you can also "kiln" you own wood. Simply cook your wood chunks as if they're meat at 250 for 5 or 6 hrs.
Comment