Apple wood?

SmokinJ

Hello,

I have a chance to get some apple wood from a tree that has fallen.Not sure if it's crab apple or what.I was just was told it was green apples and made ok pies.Could I use it even if was crab apple?Also do you just let it dry out for awhile before using?

Thanks

Ripnem

It sounds like it is not a crab apple. You can use it wet or green, but be sure that all that you cut and chop is allowed to dry in a somewhat ventilated area. That wet wood will mold rather fast if stored in a dark 'sealed' environment. Get it all and you'll be set for years to come.

I've got about 1000 lbs of it drying now.

Rusty Rooster

Most any "fruit" wood is ok for smoking. I do not think it is necessary to dry them first. I start using them soon after they are harvested and continue till they have dried. I rarely see or taste a difference. Try it and see how it tastes to you. If you like it then continue. Everyone does not like the taste of all woods. Hope this helps.

Garnerac

Apple wood is my favorite, no wait its Oak, no maybe its Pecan

fishlessman

even crab apple is good. keep what you wont be using for a while in log form and only cut up and split what your going to use in the next 6 or so months, when your getting low cut some more and split that. keeping it whole will keep it from drying out too much, with apple it seems to loose flavor if its too dry. i would let it sit in a dry warm place for a few weeks before using but some use it right away

Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker

dry or not, no worries. use it up. good stuff. don'
t fret about bark either. it's all good.

i did some sausages last saturday with applewood (chicken sausage with sun-dried tomato with basil).

some brats got cherry smoke, and sweet italian got oak. fundamental differences among all of them. great stuff, enjoy the apple. a little mild (and i mean that as a positive)