Walnut Wood for Grilling?

[John_NJ]

Anyone use walnut wood for grilling?

I have read it imparts a strong smoke flavor so use sparingly.

I have used poplar planks soaked in water for grilling salmon steaks- anyone ever used walnut planks for fish?

I have a few pieces left over from a project. Don’t want to waste food though, so I thought I would ask here first.

 

[GrantT]

Holy crap, that is expensive wood to be burning!! Around here, the walnut costs as much as the food you would be cooking it with! I would kill to have those just to make something small with....glue it up and turn a bowl, cutting board etc.

 

[John_NJ]

In my younger days, I would save scraps like this to make things with.

Now I am old and save scraps like this to burn in the fireplace.

But smaller white oak scraps are put aside for smoking.

I don’t think I will try the walnut though. I am too new to the grilling game- maybe in a few years.

 

[JimmieB]

Very heavy smoke flavor and should be mixed with lighter flavored woods. Can be bitter when used alone

 

[John_NJ]

Very heavy smoke flavor and should be mixed with lighter flavored woods. Can be bitter when used alone

Thank you- that chart is helpful.

I will try ash and maple since both are available to me.

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

I like maple a lot but, I’m not sure just how “good“ cabinet grade material is for smoking.

 

[EricV.]

“hear, hear!”

 

[Mike-GA]

Very heavy smoke flavor and should be mixed with lighter flavored woods. Can be bitter when used alone

Awesome wood smoking chart. Thanks!

 

[Tony Coloma]

Walnut is poisonous to certain animals. Best to avoid burning in some areas

 

[Brad Olson]

I've played around with black walnut a little bit and to be perfectly honest, trying to balance it with milder woods can be a hassle. A too-cautious approach and the walnut flavor disappears; go aggressive and it easily overpowers the other woods.

 

[Tony Coloma]

Poisonous to horses. Maybe others. May be harmless to grillers. Worth the risk?