Oaks, Maples and Pears – Oh My


 
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David A

New member
When is an oak not an oak or a pear not a pear? I have a yard full of Red Oaks and some live oaks. I also have several large Bradford Pear trees (flowering fruitless Pears). Are these trees any good for use in smoking? It looks as if many like to use white oaks or regular pear trees. Is there a difference?

Also – anyone ever use fig tree wood?

David A.
 
From what I understand, red oak is just fine and actually a preferred wood, in California particularly; just stronger smoke flavor than white oak. Never heard you couldn't smoke with live oak, so go for it. It's an oak.

As for the fig, it's a fruitwood, so I'd think it's just fine as well. You'll get different opinions on the bradford pear though. The smoke isn't pleasant, especially when green, so maybe that's what makes folks say it's no good. I've smoked ribs with seasoned bradford in my old offset though and they tasted just fine. I'm REALLY particular about a clean fire on a stickburner though, and those ribs were foiled as well. Don't think I've ever smoked with BP in my wsm, but I bet it would do just fine.
 
And if using vines, use grape, not poison ivy.
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I love red oak. It's my favorite smoking wood. I use it for pork, beef, and chicken. It will keep for a relatively long time as well, being so dense.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dave Russell:
And if using vines, use grape, not poison ivy.
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</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good advice on the poison ivy. Don't even burn it when burning leaves and such. I have heard of people getting poison ivy in their lungs from inhaling the smoke.
 
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