Florida Oak - Good for smoking wood?

piperpilot

Hey guys,  I live in the Tampa Bay area in a neighborhood with LOTS of oak trees.  I believe many of them are Laurel and Water oaks, but not positive of the species.  We had a large branch fall a week ago...at the base it is about 4" diameter.  It doesn't seem to be rotten or anything, but definitely dead.  So two questions...

1.  Is this type of oak good for smoking wood?  I see lots of people using oak, but wasn't sure if there are different species that are good vs. others.

2.  How long do I need to let it "season" before using it?  Since it is already dead and partially dried, I'm thinking that maybe just a couple of months in the hot Florida sun would do it...but looking for advice.

Thanks!

Curtis

Killit_and_Grillit

We were down cutting trees in Jacksonville for a week during the hurricane. 

Every time we hit an oak people were showing up looking for manageable size pieces to burn outside or on a cooker. I tossed a few pieces in my truck on the way home as souvenirs. They are drying now but look fine. 

Im sure a SME will come along but if it's Oak start the drying process, strip the bark and use a cheap piece of meat to try it out. 

Killit_and_Grillit

Or...if you're that hard up for Oak I will drive you down a some quality Tennessee wood if you are willing to trade lb for lb on some Tarpon fishing down your way 

DoubleEgger

@NPHuskerFL

NPHuskerFL

DoubleEgger said:

@NPHuskerFL

I have Hurricane Irma Oak, Black Cherry and Pecan. Some of the oak is Blackjack, Post and Live Oak. It smokes fine and gives food flavor. 

lkapigian

Very difficult to roll, but otherwise great for smoking 

piperpilot

Thanks @NPHuskerFL thats what I was looking for...I figured it would be good...the wood smells good when smelling a cut end.  Any idea how long I need to dry it before using?

Carolina Q

I usually dry mine for as long as it takes to cut it into chunks and get to the grill. And there's not a snowball's chance I'd remove the bark.