What kinds of wood are suitable for smoking?
The traditional woods for smoking are HICKORY and OAK. Here is a list of woods suitable for smoking: ACACIA – these trees are in the same family as mesquite. When burned in a smoker, acacia has a flavor similar to mesquite but not quite as heavy. A very hot burning wood. ALDER – Very delicate with a hint of sweetness. Good with fish, pork, poultry, and light-meat game birds. ALMOND – A sweet smoke flavor, light ash. Good with all meats. APPLE – Very mild with a subtle fruity flavor, slightly sweet. Good with poultry (turns skin dark brown) and pork. ASH – Fast burner, light but distinctive flavor. Good with fish and red meats. BIRCH – Medium-hard wood with a flavor similar to maple. Good with pork and poultry. CHERRY – Mild and fruity. Good with poultry, pork and beef. Some List members say the cherry wood is the best wood for smoking. Wood from chokecherry trees may produce a bitter flavor. COTTONWOOD – It is a softer wood than alder and very subtle in flavor. Use it for fuel but use
