BBQ Tips

How Wood Adds Flavor

Wood is used in barbecue to get smoke value, not heat value. Heat comes from charcoal; smoke flavor comes from wood.

WOOD	FLAVOR	USES

Alder	Light	Traditionally used with fish
Apple	Mild, sweet, and fruity	Pork, poultry, and beef
Cherry	Distinct, sweet, and fruity	Pork and poultry
Hickory	Rich, strong, and hearty	Pork, beef, and poultry
Maple	Smooth, mild, and sweet	Poultry, seafood, and pork
Mesquite	Distinct, robust, and smoky	Beef
Oak	Strong and distinct	Beef, poultry, and seafood
Peach	Light and fruity	Pork and poultry
Pecan	Earthy and not overly pungent	Pork, poultry, and beef