Many years ago and quite by accident, I stumbled on using dogwood to smoke meats.
The dogwood here in Va never grows very large, as it is an understory tree and most of them die as the oaks, pines and hemlocks grow larger.
The ones that I use for smoking are standing dead and very dry. Never use any that have been in contact with the ground after falling over. The tree is hard wood and in fact when you cut it down with a chainsaw, sparks can sometimes be seen.
I cut it into short 3 inch pieces, split if necessary and when I'm ready to smoke, soak it for 30 minutes and toss it on top of your coals as usaul.
I find the flavor delicious on all the meats that I have tried. Especially good with lamb and pork.
Give it a try if it's in your area..I know you'll like it.
Georgepat
The dogwood here in Va never grows very large, as it is an understory tree and most of them die as the oaks, pines and hemlocks grow larger.
The ones that I use for smoking are standing dead and very dry. Never use any that have been in contact with the ground after falling over. The tree is hard wood and in fact when you cut it down with a chainsaw, sparks can sometimes be seen.
I cut it into short 3 inch pieces, split if necessary and when I'm ready to smoke, soak it for 30 minutes and toss it on top of your coals as usaul.
I find the flavor delicious on all the meats that I have tried. Especially good with lamb and pork.
Give it a try if it's in your area..I know you'll like it.
Georgepat