There are various reasons why pecan wood is recommended for use in cooking and smoking. First, learn about pecan wood’s characteristics, cooking benefits, and flavor pairings. Next, read on for cooking tips. Then pick up pecan wood and discover why its’ recommended to use pecan wood in cooking.
Cooking with pecan wood
Cooking with pecan wood is an excellent option if you enjoy the taste of wood-fired food. This wood is moderately flavored but does not burn as hot as oak or other hardwoods. This versatile wood pairs well with many foods and adds an elegant touch to barbecues and backyard cookouts:
Pecan wood is versatile, making it an ideal choice for smoking meat, poultry, and fish. Its unique flavor evokes the taste of a nut rather than fruit. Pecan wood is an excellent choice for poultry, as the nutty flavor won’t overpower a dish. Pecan wood is also harder to come by than other types of fruitwoods. When buying pecan wood, looking for kiln-dried or premium quality wood is essential.
If you use pecan wood, you’ll need to soak it in water for about 30 minutes before putting it on the grill. During this time, you can use pecan shells or hulls as chips. The wood will impart a mild smoke flavor to the meat. If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals by lighting a charcoal starter. Then, place the wood directly on the coals. To avoid a fire, place the wood chunks or chips on the charcoal. You can use both, but the latter is more efficient and yields a better smoke flavor.
Benefits of smoking with pecan wood
Pecan wood offers a unique flavor that is easy to pair with various foods, including chicken, fish, pork, and even vegetables. Pecan wood is a versatile option for smoking, and its mild, peppery flavor makes it an ideal match for most poultry, meats, and big game. In addition, pecan wood is available in convenient boxes that come ready to burn. The boxes are packed with sixteen-inch pecan pieces, as well as kindling, fire starters, and matches.
You can forage for your wood if you live in an area without a nearby smokehouse. While choosing carefully-chosen trees, you will also want to make sure not to use pine or elm–both of which contain high levels of sap. Harvesting your wood during winter when sap content is at its lowest is best. Wood from pecan trees grows best in colder climates and retains its flavor for longer.
Flavors that pair well with pecan wood
Pecan wood is a versatile smoker that produces a sweet buttery flavor. This wood is more intense than other fruitwoods but milder than hickory and oak. When paired with different flavors, pecan wood can intensify them. Below are some popular foods to pair with this wood. Substitute any stone fruitwood in place of pecan.
Pecan wood is a versatile species of hickory native to Mexico and the Southern United States. It has similar properties to oak and maple but is not as dense. This means that pecan wood will not overpower your dishes while keeping the flavor subtle and natural. Unfortunately, pecan wood chips are not as standard as oak or maple. That said, if you enjoy the distinctive taste of pecan wood, it’s worth trying it.
Characteristics of pecan wood
Pecan wood is distinguished by its crisp grain and straight feel. The wood may have knots or indentations surrounded by a dark region. These inconsistencies, known as bird pecks, give pecan furniture a distinct personality. Although pecan wood is not known for its excellent workability, it does adhere well to many finishes. This species of wood is also suitable for steam-bending. Pecan trees are monoecious, producing both male and female flowers on the same tree. Both flowering times and sizes are discernible.
Pecan trees range from 100 to 140 feet tall and weigh about 46 pounds per cubic foot. Their wood is hefty, with a specific gravity of 0.75. Pecan wood is difficult to dry and may buckle or blunt cutters. Pecan wood has very high strength and bending properties and is suitable for making wood furniture. However, pecan wood is less popular for furniture because of its soft texture and irregular grain.
