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??? Fresh cut limbs as smoking wood???

Bordello
Bordello Posts: 5,926
edited November -0001 in EggHead Forum
I have a friend that just cut up a plumb tree,and will be cutting a dead cherry tree and a live walnut. How long should the wood be seasoned for smoking and is the dead cherry O.K. to use so long as it's not rotted and/or full of bugs? Is the plumb wood any good or just use it as firewood??? Anything else I should know??? I have only used store bought chunks up till now.[p]Thanks,
New Bob
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Comments

  • BlueSmoke
    BlueSmoke Posts: 1,678
    New Bob,
    I think (underline "think") you want to season wood six months - just make sure to keep it reasonably dry and well-ventilated. I think you're right, dead wood is okay as long as there's no bug or rot. I've smoked with plum, thanks to George, and found it to be a good, mild wood much like peach or any of the fruit woods.[p]HTH
    Ken
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  • Citizen Q
    Citizen Q Posts: 484
    New Bob,
    If the cherry tree is dry through when you cut and split it, it's ready. There should be no visible moisture between the bark and outer ring of wood and likewise, nothing running between the rings as you split it. If it's not completely dry, let it season til spring.[p]If the walnut is black walnut or if you are not sure, let it season a full year before you use it for cooking. All unseasoned hardwoods contain harmful toxins, black walnut has higher concentrations and takes longer to season, but it is safe once properly seasoned. Still, you'll want to use it sparingly, it can give off some of the most bitter smoke.[p]I've got a fast growing plum tree that needs constant pruning. The smoke is mild and similar to cherry, but sweet and slightly fruity aromas are much more noticable in the smoke, even more so if it was pruned near flowering in the spring. [p]Cheers,
    C~Q
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  • Bordello
    Bordello Posts: 5,926
    Citizen Q,
    Thanks for helping this old city slicker out. LOL
    Good info and I appreciate it.[p]Regards,
    New Bob
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  • Bordello
    Bordello Posts: 5,926
    BlueSmoke,
    Thanks Ken,
    Between you and C~Q I take a closer look and see what I can use even if I have to wait for it to dry.[p]Regards,
    New Bob
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  • Clay Q
    Clay Q Posts: 4,486
    New Bob,
    I work with black walnut and know a few things about it. It's one of my favorite woods for carving and cabinet making but I do not recommend it for smoking. It has a toxin called juglone, mostly in leaves, roots, bark but also in branch and trunk wood. Cherry and plum ok for smoking.
    Clay
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