Questionable Wood

[badf00d]

Ok, now that I have vast experience (meaning all of three weeks) in the smoker world, I've only bought wood from two different sources.

First was two 25 lb bags of Oklahoma Joe's hickory mini logs from Menard's. First bag was good (although burned fast because it's kiln dried) but the second bag had green mold and yellow fungus on much of the wood. Exchanged today for another bag with no hassle. Is this a common problem? I'm sure it's not safe to use, but just wondered how often I can expect that for a backup wood supply. Calculated out, it's about $450 per face cord, so I don't plan to use it normally, but good in a pinch.

The other was a local firewood supplier, and he delivered a face cord consisting of oak, cherry, and sugar maple. At least a third of the oak has some sort of white stuff on and in it that I thought was paint at first. I scratched at some of it and it has more of a paper feel to it - peels off without much work but it's embedded in some splits I can't get to. It's more prevalent around knots and cracks, so I'm wondering if it's some kind of treatment for a sick tree. Does anyone know what it might be, and if it's safe in a smoker? My instinct says no. I contacted him and he said he'll swap it out, but I don't want to bother if it's non-toxic.

Any suggestions on obtaining reliable smoker-worthy wood?

[ribeyeguy]

Not in the quantity you're looking for but my new go to supplier is this place:

http://www.fruitawoodchunks.com/

[Strat50]

Get a firewood cutting permit, and a chainsaw. A splitting maul will help too. Go forth to the woods. Return with wood. Process wood to what you need. Rejoice in the fact that the calories you just burned will be replaced with the calories from your cook. You will develop your own "house" flavors which only you can do. It's worth the work, and the fun!

[DWCowles]

Firewood cutting permit ???

[Strat50]

Some places require a free or low cost permit for cutting standing trees.

[Powersmoke_80]

Need permit to cut only down dead timber on state land in MI.

[badf00d]

Cool idea. Around here, there is very little that would be "the woods" that isn't someone's property. A quick web search didn't reveal any state-controlled property that allowed firewood permits that's less than 2 to 3 hours away, and even that was 3 years ago. Maybe a local orchard would be a source?

[BriggsBBQ]

Well there is always that neighbor that complains about everything and might even have a good oak tree out front. Just kidding.

[Powersmoke_80]

My oak gets the same on it and I think its just decomposing wood on the surface and the moisture leaching out. I just knock any loose stuff off and burn it. I have not had any complaints or noticed an off taste. In my opinion should be fine from your wood supplier as the KBQ should burn clean and hot and doesn't smolder as a traditional stick burner could if it didn't get enough air.

[scottranda]

I was told here on the Pit, that you can test any wood with chicken quarters bc they are cheap. If you don't like it, you wasted very little money.

[badf00d]

Good idea. Of course, the chicken is already dead at that point, and I just wanted to make sure I don't end up the same.

[Huskee]

I'm no firewood pro, but I agree with Powersmoke_80 and I'm thinking this white-ish residue you speak of is likely just natural wood decomp, especially if it flakes off easily. The beginning of 'punky' wood. If you have a pic of it you could share that would be helpful. If it's minor enough that you can scrape it off each piece before you toss it on I think you're good.

On the other hand, if your wood supplier is willing to swap out those pieces with clean ones, hey that's a great thing.
Hand him a half rack of "professionally smoked" ribs when he comes, and make him your buddy. You just might get some great future service from him!

[badf00d]

Huskee, it has almost a paper fiber feel to it and it easily scrapes off almost in sheets. The only thing I could remotely find that it might be is "slime flux" but I haven't found anything saying it's bad to burn. I'll get some pictures this weekend, as we have rain today and tomorrow.

[Jon Solberg]

As like Huskee I'd go with the swap.

I'd also like to see a pic. Is it mold? I think there something to learn here for sure.

If its a mold your going to be direct injection spores in to that new induction wood cooker. In my mind thats somehow different than using a stick burner where not 100% of the combustion gas is forced into the cook chamber. I mean I'd never use mold pellets in a pellet rig. BUT I may throw a questionable chunk of wood on a coal bed thats been set for 4 hours.

OR I would at least pre burn it. Keep I'm mind I'm way over cautious about stuff.

[badf00d]

It doesn't have any characteristics of mold, in my experience. I'm cautious as well, which is why I haven't burned any until I figure out what it is.

[Jon Solberg]

I got to say thanks badf for bring this up. Its going to be a nice thing to look at for a few breaks and lunches.

edit:

Well second though maybe I should not have started to research this. lol lol lol

This from another site...


"The first thing I would suggest is finding a copy of "Food and Beverage Mycology, 2nd. Edition" by Larry R. Beuchat. There are two chapters that are directly pertinent to your question: "field and storage fungi" (p211-232) and "mycotoxins" (p517-570). However, in order to specifically answer the question, one would need to be familiar with three additional chapters: 50 pages of classification of yeast and molds at the beginning of the book, and two equally substantial chapters on detection of mycotoxins and fungi.

Without identifying the exact species of fungus on the wood, and therefore what particular toxins it may produce (many produce toxins that are harmful to us, some produce ones that are only harmful to other fungi), it is impossible to say that it is safe to smoke with this wood. Some of the toxins may be degraded by heat, some may become even more hazardous. ... I would just use the mold-covered wood for a nice fire around which my neighbors could gather and share some barbecue smoked on clean, dry wood (scientific studies show that soaking wood does not actually do anything but get the very outside layer wet).

[Huskee]

(scientific studies show that soaking wood does not actually do anything but get the very outside layer wet).[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

Hmmm that sounds familiar. I wonder if our own Dr. Greg Blonder and Meathead are the "scientific studies" alluded to here.

[Jon Solberg]

I chased down the source of this post. He is a AR fan!

[Ernest]

Look for a forest service place in your area and stick to a good one.
I use these guys: http://www.abfpinc.com/ for anyone interested in DFW area

[badf00d]

Wish there was something like that near me.