birch for smoking

[EdS]

I've got a few days off and I though I might make some jerky via smoking.

I've got some fruit wood and a few bits of ash and oak plus a whole load of part seasoned silver birch (dry enough to burn and green enough to smoke gently).

Anyone used birch for smoking and if so what is the flavour like.

Either that or I'm going to have to cut some more logs.

 

[rancid badger]

Hi Ed,
I was just wondering if the bark on the birch might not make for oily smoke,potentially knacking up your jerky.

I'm not saying it will ruin the job mind you, it's a question added to your original question, I suppose
I know that it tends to produce sooty deposits and that set me a thinking
I'm sure someone will clarify all shortly
cheers
R.B.

 

[EdS]

R.B - my thinking exactly.

I could remove the bark - it tends for fall of when split anyway.

 

[Bogeyman]

Your question reminded me of the America episode of Bushcraft, where the Indian Leo Lajeunessee talks about a certain type of wood for flavoring the jerky whilst smoking it.........I looked it up for you: Aspen!

BCUK thread:


http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31164

Maybe some helpful links:

http://www.randyq.addr.com/

http://www.askthemeatman.com/woods_to_use_for_smoking_art_updated_9300.htm
(scroll down!)

http://www.smoking-meat.com/barbecue-woods.html

 

[EdS]

seem t osimilar to maple.

So I'll dirtch the barkc and give it a try.

http://www.oscarenterprises.f2s.com/main_page_wood_and_chips.html

 

[Grooveski]

I've used rotten birch for an overnight smudge fire a couple of times but it's been for mackerel.
Mixed in with the broken up logs was dry oak on one occassion and assorted driftwood sticks on the other.
Tasted fine. Not as nice as using oak alone but not tainted at all. Fish were all still in their skins and so oily that it maybe doesn't compare to jerky.

 

[Dave Budd]

I wouldn't think that the birch (minus bark) will give much particular flavour, just a general smokey taste? I've used oak and cherry and they give different flavours, but birch wood tends to be bland in taste/smell.

worth a try at least I think

 

[Singeblister]

As said above I reckon the birch wouldn't be good , but if your sawing up the oak keep the sawdust and get it damp chuck that on the fire for your smoke, I do this on bbq sometimes gives a nice taste