What Kind of Wood Burns Well for Cooking?

When you’re cooking on an open flame, the firewood you use will affect the fire’s flavor and size. So you need to choose the right size for the size of your pit and the cooking method you want to use. This article will explain the different types of wood that are good for cooking.

Alder Wood

Alder firewood is an excellent choice for woodstoves and cooking. This deciduous tree is excellent for many cooking applications, including grilling and fireplace building. However, the alder needs to be seasoned properly. It should also be used with other hardwoods you can find at https://www.cuttingedgefirewood.com/cooking-firewood/ for the best results. The wood is soft, and the grain pattern is smooth. When freshly cut, alder lumber is nearly white and gradually changes to a warm reddish brown as it ages. In general, alder is a sturdy, durable wood that’s easy to work with. It is easily lit and produces good coals. 

Birch Wood

When it comes to firewood for cooking, birch is an excellent choice. Birch wood can be seasoned for several years before it is ready to be used. It makes it a great choice for cooking and baking because it produces nice smoke and good heat. But it would help if you were sure to purchase seasoned wood for cooking.

Cherry Wood

If you’re cooking with wood, cherry is a great choice. This variety is easy to ignite and doesn’t produce the most beautiful coals. However, it has a small diameter and produces clean smoke with little creosote. It is also very versatile. The flavor of cherry firewood is mild and sweet.

Hickory Wood

Hickory firewood has a long burn time and produces few sparks, which makes it a great choice for cooking over an open flame. Because it produces little smoke, hickory is also great for smoking meats. Unlike oak, however, hickory does not burn cleanly. To improve the smoking and cooking experience, you should split your hickory wood into smaller pieces.

Almond Wood

Although almond firewood isn’t as popular as other types of wood, it’s ideal for cooking because it adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the food you cook. The flavor is similar to that of pecans. However, when using almond wood for cooking, it is better to use larger chunks than small almond chips. It cannot be easy to find a local source of almond wood, so ordering it from a supplier is a great option.

Maple Wood

Maple wood has a distinct flavor. It offers a light smoke with notes of caramelized sugar. It pairs well with various types of food, from seafood to pork. To get the best results, heat the wood until the interior reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F.

Ash Wood

Many traditional cooking techniques use ash as a cooking medium. The process is centuries old and has many benefits. For example, South America eats meat and fish in large pits of smoky ash. In addition, ash contains high levels of potassium and calcium, which are beneficial to the human body.

Elm Wood

Elm firewood is a good choice for cooking because it produces moderate heat and has a good smell. However, the wood can be difficult to split and produces less desirable smoke. It is best to season elm firewood before you use it in a fireplace.