Cooking Wood

Cooking Wood

Wood is a popular fuel for cooking because it gives such great flavor to the food. Cooking wood comes in many forms including:

• Chips
• Chunks
• Logs
• Pellets

Any of these can be used when grilling or smoking meats and other foods, though different types often work better than others. There are benefits to cooking with wood over other fuels, like propane or charcoal, including improved flavor.

Common Uses of Wood for Cooking

How you plan to use cooking wood will likely influence the types of wood you buy.

Grilling

Grilling is typically hot and fast, so this means your firewood needs to burn hotter. Look for lighter woods like:

• Alder
• Apple
• Cherry
• Hickory
• Pecan

These woods all give off a nice flavor when burned at a high heat.

Smoking

If you want a low and slow cooking process, you’ll need different kinds of wood. Smoking woods will burn at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Look for heavier woods such as:

• Beech
• Birch
• Cedar
• Cypress
• Oak

These woods will give off a smokier flavor and help keep your temperature consistent.

Benefits of Cooking On Wood

Anyone who cooks outdoors or over an open fire, from pit and grill masters to backyard chefs, can benefit from using cooking wood.

Better Tasting Food

Wood smoke contains dozens of different compounds that contribute to the flavor of the food. These chemicals are released as the wood burns, and they combine with the juices and fats in the food to create a delicious flavor that can’t be matched by other fuels. Louisiana Pantry offers different cooking woods so you can get the best flavor when you cook.

Natural Materials

Cooking with wood fire is a more natural way to cook compared to using gas or charcoal. When you cook with wood, you’ll find that there is something about the flavor of food cooked over an open fire that can’t be beat by modern techniques.

Considerations for Buying Cooking Wood

Storage

When buying cooking wood in bulk make sure that you have a place to store it. Keep it dry and safe from animals, bugs or other pests that may want to munch on it. Also look for dealers that are willing to split the wood for you. This will save time, energy and make starting your fire easier!

Wood Size

Buying wood in bulk can be a great way to save money and get the right size for your cookouts. If you are cooking over an open fire or using a grill or smoker, the size of the cooking wood you buy will likely vary.

Variety Pack of Cooking Woods

Not sure what cooking wood to buy? Louisiana Pantry has you covered with our wood chunk variety pack, featuring hickory, apple, pecan, mesquite, and cherry wood.