How to avoid that strange smoke taste.

[johncoby]

I have been smoking for about 3 months and occasionally get the strange taste on the outside of the meat. I get this especially when using mesquite.

Any answer to this? how do I get it to stop?

 

[richoso1]

make sure you are getting the TBS, and not billowing clouds of smoke. You might try cutting back on the amount of wood your using at a given time. And make sure there is good ventilation in your smoker, stale smoke can cause creosote, bad taste and bad for you.

 

[cman95]

What Richoso said. Plus mesquite is a strong wood. Alittle dab will do you. If you like the mesquite taste start with small amount and each successive smoke add a little more until you find your favorite tasting amount. I hope this helps.

 

[joneser]

Make sure your exhaust is wide open....if you get a build up of stale smoke in the smoking area, you can get a build-up of creosote on your meat. Keep that air exchanged an you'll be set. Remember, if you can smell the smoke, you're smoking.

 

[rickw]

What everyone else said;plus don't use the mesquite. I've tried it and I just don't care for the taste.

 

[graybeard]

What kinda smoker you got? Inquiring minds need to know.

beard

 

[fishawn]

I echo the "Don't use Mesquite" guys/gals.....

 

[johncoby]

Here is a pic:
http://bayareahouston.blogspot.com/2...s-morning.html

 

[joneser]

Just lookinat your blog and saw

You have to cook a Turkey hotter than that! Suprised nobody got sick....
Search these forums for Turkey and you'll find that they're safely cooked at a higher temp. I did mine between 325 and 350.

Anyway, back on topic....
Just make sure the smoke is thin and blue with the proper draft and you'll find that bad taste is a thing of the past.

 

[johncoby]

OH!!! I know what I did! I couldnt get the temperature down! Maybe that is why I didnt get sick. That turkey was GREAT!!!!

 

[ddave]

I'm with you, Rick.

Don't mean to offend any mesquite fans out there, but I don't care much for it either.

Dave

 

[mgwerks]

Mesquite is definitely a personal choice, and many people overdo it and therefore think they don't like it. As mentioned before, it doesn't take much.

About your off tasting meat. Might make sure that your smoking woods are really dry. Green woods be fraught with peril.

 

[desertlites]

squite is a very flavorfull wood-U all just over do it.

 

[guvna]

mesquite is fine. i've used it with great results. i find it offers lots of good flavor in small doses.

 

[erain]

all the replies have merit. it all comes down to personal taste.

mesquite is a strong tasting wood but used in moderation or in tandem with a light flavored wood like pecan or cherry is very good. but the key is to not over do it. remember small amount of wood all thats needed and if you can smell it you are smoking. ya dont want heavy smoke. just the thin blue.

i wouldnt go as far as to say not to use mesquite anymore, expieriment with it and i bet you will find that if ya tone it down you will have better results.

 

[ronp]

I like mesquite along with hickory, but then I like a smokey flavor. Just don't over do it like any thing else.

 

[ddave]

Heck, I didn't even use it for smokewood, just Lazarri Mesquite Lump in the UDS. But you're right, it's a matter of personal taste. I know there are LOTS of people who love it.

Who knows? Maybe I'll try a teeny weeny bit of mesquite chunks sometime when I am not using mesquite lump.

Dave