Hello there my BBQ friends! Are you always on the hunt for new and unique woods to add flavor to your grilled and smoked meats? Well, have you heard of eucalyptus wood? It’s been a popular choice in BBQs down in Australia, but it’s starting to catch on in other parts of the world too. But the question is, can you really grill and smoke meat over eucalyptus wood?!
Yes! You can grill and smoke meat over eucalyptus wood. Though, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and properly cure and store the wood before use.
Don’t worry, we’ve got all the info you need. So grab your tongs and let’s dive in!
First things first, let’s go over the benefits of using eucalyptus wood.
Benefits of Using Eucalyptus Wood
Aromatic Flavor That Pairs Well with Certain Meats
One of the standout features of eucalyptus wood is its distinct, aromatic flavor. Some people describe it as having hints of mint or eucalyptus, which can add an interesting twist to the flavor of your grilled or smoked meats.
Eucalyptus wood pairs particularly well with pork and chicken, but it can also be used with other meats like beef and lamb. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing it with other woods like oak or hickory to create your own unique flavor profile.
Burns Hot and Produces a Consistent Heat
Another great thing about eucalyptus wood is that it burns hot and produces a consistent heat. This makes it a good choice for fast grilling, as it can help you get those perfect sear marks on your meats.
Don’t overdo it, as the high heat can also cause your meats to dry out faster.
Longer Burning Time Compared to Some Other Woods
One of the practical benefits of using eucalyptus wood is that it tends to have a longer burning time compared to some other woods. This can be especially handy if you’re doing a long smoke, as you won’t have to constantly add more wood to the fire.
Just make sure to properly cure your eucalyptus wood before using it, as uncured wood can produce a lot of smoke and make it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Eucalyptus Wood
While there are definitely some benefits to using eucalyptus wood, it’s important to consider any potential drawbacks as well.
Can Be Difficult to Find in Some Areas
One thing to keep in mind is that eucalyptus wood can be difficult to find in some areas. It’s not as widely available as other types of wood, so you may have to do some searching to find a good source.
If you live in an area where eucalyptus trees are abundant, you may be able to find branches and twigs to use as fuel. Just make sure to properly cure and store them before using them on the grill or smoker.
Some People May Be Sensitive to the Oils in the Wood
Another potential issue with eucalyptus wood is that some people may be sensitive to the oils in the wood. These oils can cause respiratory issues in some people, so it’s important to be aware of this potential risk.
Can Have a Strong, Medicinal Smell if Not Properly Cured Before Use
Uncured eucalyptus wood can also have a strong, medicinal smell that can be overpowering when used on the grill or smoker. This is another reason why it’s important to properly cure your eucalyptus wood before using it.
To properly cure eucalyptus wood, you’ll need to soak it in water for at least 24 hours before using it. This will help to remove any excess oils and reduce the strong smell.
How to Properly Use Eucalyptus Wood for Grilling and Smoking
If you’re interested in trying eucalyptus wood for your BBQs, here are some tips for finding and purchasing it, as well as suggestions for proper use.
Tips for Finding and Purchasing Eucalyptus Wood
As mentioned earlier, eucalyptus wood can be difficult to find in some areas. Here are a few options for sourcing it:
- Check with local BBQ supply stores or online retailers to see if they carry eucalyptus wood.
- Ask around at your local farmers market or co-op to see if anyone sells eucalyptus wood.
- If you have access to eucalyptus trees, you can cut your own branches and twigs to use as fuel. Just make sure to ask permission if the trees are on someone else’s property.
Proper Curing and Storage Methods
Once you’ve sourced your eucalyptus wood, it’s important to properly cure and store it before using it. Here’s how to do it:
- Soak the wood in water for at least 24 hours before using it. This will help to remove excess oils and reduce the strong smell.
- Once the wood has been soaked, let it dry completely before using it. You can speed up the drying process by placing the wood in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
- Once the wood is dry, store it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it.
Suggested Meats to Pair with Eucalyptus Wood
As mentioned earlier, eucalyptus wood pairs particularly well with pork and chicken. It can also be used with other meats like beef and lamb, but keep in mind that the strong, aromatic flavor may not be to everyone’s taste.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing eucalyptus wood with other woods like oak or hickory to create your own unique flavor profile.
Recommended Amounts to Use in Grilling and Smoking
So, what is the right amount to use?!
When using eucalyptus wood for grilling or smoking, it’s important to use the right amount to avoid overpowering the flavor of your meats.
For grilling we recommend using small amounts of eucalyptus wood mixed with other woods to add flavor without overpowering the overall taste.
For smoking you can use a little more eucalyptus wood as it will have a longer burning time compared to some other woods. Just be careful not to use too much, as the strong flavor can become overpowering if you use too much.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eucalyptus wood can be a great choice for adding unique, aromatic flavor to your grilled and smoked meats. It burns hot and produces a consistent heat, and has a longer burning time compared to some other woods.
However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of using eucalyptus wood, such as the difficulty of finding it in some areas, the potential for respiratory issues in some people, and the strong, medicinal smell if not properly cured before use.
By following the tips for finding and purchasing eucalyptus wood, curing and storing it properly, and using it in moderation, you can incorporate eucalyptus wood into your BBQs and see if it enhances your grilling and smoking experience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different woods and see what flavors and benefits they bring to your Barbeques. Happy grilling!
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check out the rest of the amazing content on barbemastery.com for more BBQ tips and tricks.
Until next time,
Ryan
