Wood - Bark or no Bark?

A place to discuss low 'n' slow cooking, ask questions and share advice.
Post Reply
Evotim
Got Wood!
Got Wood!
Posts: 39
Joined: 22 Aug 2014, 16:17
First Name: Tim

Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by Evotim »

Morning,

I've just been sent some wood samples to try and they're totally covered with bark, not split logs with no bark as i usually get.

I think i read somewhere that you shouldn't use wood for smoking if it has bark on it?

Is this true, does it make a difference?

Thx
Kiska95
Twisted Firestarter
Twisted Firestarter
Posts: 448
Joined: 01 Mar 2015, 13:31
First Name: Brian

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by Kiska95 »

I prefer bark off unless its really seasoned and dried out
Evotim
Got Wood!
Got Wood!
Posts: 39
Joined: 22 Aug 2014, 16:17
First Name: Tim

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by Evotim »

Is it likely to make a difference to smoke flavour?
essexsmoker
Rubbed and Ready
Rubbed and Ready
Posts: 1093
Joined: 31 May 2013, 18:32
First Name: Ant

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by essexsmoker »

I've heard it doesn't matter.

maybe put it bark down into the fire and let it burn it off first a bit and then put your food on.

Just try it and see what happens.

Can't imagine that busy smoke houses bother in the US.

Maybe some barks are worse than others.
Vibe
Got Wood!
Got Wood!
Posts: 99
Joined: 03 Jul 2015, 21:47
First Name: Kevin
Location: Bicester, Oxfordshire

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by Vibe »

I've seen episodes of Pitmasters where they throw in whole logs with bark mid cook to maintain temps so I'm sure if it's natural it's no issue.
jez2775
Got Wood!
Got Wood!
Posts: 48
Joined: 30 Nov 2014, 11:28
First Name: Jez

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by jez2775 »

I cook on a large offset using oak, and I've never had a problem using seasoned logs with the bark still on them.
Evotim
Got Wood!
Got Wood!
Posts: 39
Joined: 22 Aug 2014, 16:17
First Name: Tim

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by Evotim »

Cool, I won't strip the bark off then... Job saved :)

Thanks
Kiska95
Twisted Firestarter
Twisted Firestarter
Posts: 448
Joined: 01 Mar 2015, 13:31
First Name: Brian

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by Kiska95 »

Remember they use "Seasoned Wood" so very low water content which includes the bark too hence the reason its left on.
User avatar
wade
Got Wood!
Got Wood!
Posts: 248
Joined: 14 Aug 2011, 21:03
First Name: Wade Nash
Location: Woodchurch, Kent

Re: Wood - Bark or no Bark?

Post by wade »

If the bark is thin then leave it on. If it it thick and pulls off easily then remove it. Providing that it is not too thick you are unlikely to taste and difference on or off.
Post Reply