| When it comes to BBQ, wood is a very important | | | | water and put the put the wood chunks on top of |
| and fundamental part of the equation. It is important | | | | your grill. |
| to realise that smoke is what gives a barbecue its | | | | If you are going to smoke meat don't use softwood |
| distinct flavor. The way to get smoke is to put the | | | | at all! Softwood such as Pine trees do actually smell |
| hardwood between the charcoal in your grill and the | | | | really nice, however when it comes to the taste of |
| meat you are cooking. The hardwood burns nice and | | | | meat they are less than ideal as they have an |
| slowly and sends the smoke up into whatever meat | | | | adverse affect on taste. Hardwood on the other |
| you are barbecuing. | | | | hand is ideal. |
| Add Flavor by Using Wood | | | | Here's a rundown of the characteristics you find in |
| You can begin to add wood to your grill in 2 main | | | | different types of wood: |
| forms: | | | | * Almond or pecan wood imparts a mild, nutty taste. |
| | | | * Apple and cherry woods give a sweet, fruity |
| 1. Make a few holes in an aluminum foil and put some | | | | flavor. |
| wood chips in, then wrap the foil around the chips. | | | | * Hickory provides an intense flavor; be careful not |
| The holes will allow the smoke to escape onto the | | | | to use too much. |
| meat. It is worth pointing out that if you are planning | | | | * Maple is mild and versatile, and its smoke is a little |
| on smoking fish then the aluminum will give off a | | | | sweet. |
| metallic flavor, therefore it is recommended that you | | | | * Oak has a distinct flavor that can easily come |
| use the wood chunks instead of wood chips. | | | | across too strong. |
| 2. Wood chunks are generally a few inches in size. In | | | | * Walnut comes off as bitter if you use too much of |
| order to use the wood chunks properly, you will | | | | it. Better to use it restrainedly and with a milder |
| initially have to immerse them in cold water for up to | | | | choice, like one of the fruit woods. |
| 45 minutes to an hour. Then drain off the excess | | | | |