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Drying/Seasoning pecan chunks

Had a pecan branch fall in my backyard. I chunked it up and have it inside drying.

Question is...
How long, if at all, do I need to let it dry? And, is it necessary to remove the bark?

Comments

  • Myron Mixon uses fresh cut peach limbs for his cooks. Your pecan chunks may be ready for use.  Throw a chunk in your egg while it warms up and see how it smells. Typicially wood takes several months to dry out. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.  I hope you find out more.  Its certanily a good question.

     "Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great, Here's to "Down Home," the Old North State!"

    Med & XL

  • I'm not an expert but I use pecan limbs a friend brings me. I let them dry and remove the bark (I think the bark imparts a bitterness) but it's not necessary. Old BBQ places just split logs and throw them in bark and all.
    LBGE
    Go Dawgs! - Marietta, GA
  • shtgunal3
    shtgunal3 Posts: 5,629
    All my wood, pecan & hickory is from trees I cut up. Have never removed bark or worried about letting it dry out. I have used just bark off some big oak trees. Light it up, it will dry as it burns.

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     LBGE,SBGE, and a Mini makes three......Sweet home Alabama........ Stay thirsty my friends .

  • henapple
    henapple Posts: 16,025
    I burn my Hickory bark with no after taste. I've always seasoned my chunks.
    Green egg, dead animal and alcohol. The "Boro".. TN 
  • Green wood is fine to use, just smokes more so use less of it and no need to remove the bark. 
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,102
    For a smoke wood, green is fine. 
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
  • Ok good. I'll smoke away.
  • Had a friend drop off a double pick up truck of green pecan about a year and a half ago.  He came across a road gang removing a huge tree from the roadway. they cut what he wanted right there.  I started using it green, and now it is dried out and i am about have way through it and i see no difference -- but i am spoiled by this stuff !  Found a source -- but it's gonna cost me $160 for a pallet.
  • Ragtop99
    Ragtop99 Posts: 1,570
    ^^^ $160 for a pallet is still way better than retail.  Enjoy the deal.
    Cooking on an XL and Medium in Bethesda, MD.
  • I am not complaining at all.  I am sold on pecan, and there are a few pecan farmers around my area.  I might try to make a deal with an individual???  My present supply is split into two to three inch diameter pieces about six inches long  --  perfect for my egging!!
  • Mickey
    Mickey Posts: 19,669
    edited February 2013
    Also get shells and use them as well.
    Salado TX & 30A  FL: Egg Family: 3 Large and a very well used Mini, added a Mini Max when they came out (I'm good for now). Plus a couple Pit Boss Pellet Smokers.   

  • shtgunal3
    shtgunal3 Posts: 5,629
    @mickey my Dad used to have us kids pick up hickory nuts and he would throw them in the BBQ/smoker.

    ___________________________________

     

     LBGE,SBGE, and a Mini makes three......Sweet home Alabama........ Stay thirsty my friends .