I’m thinking about skipping the salt on tomorrow’s picnic shoulder

[chopsaw]

That came out real nice . Love the look of the whole thing resting .
Nice work

, some of it had a slight ham flavor.

Had that happen one time .
4 thick cut loin chops that I seasoned with a Canadian steak seasoning . Kosher salt , minced onion type of thing . I wasn't able to get to the cook , so I vac'd and put them in the freezer . Month or so later I cooked them up . Had a ham type flavor , but talk about moist and juicy .

 

[tallbm]

I think you’re on to something regarding hickory, I’m pretty sure I used a much smaller piece this time, and the apple piece was larger.

The last one was probably over salted with too much hickory.

Yeah I past experiences tell me the hickory plays a major part. This is why I never go over 65% Hickory unless that is the flavor needed (bacon, cured smoked turkey legs, etc.).

I can't talk well enough about Maple. It is my FAVORITE "middle of the road" wood that I will go to and blend when trying anything. In Texas Oak is used as the general wood for most things and it's good but I'm burnt out on it. I was so happy when I started using Maple as the substitute :)
Keep experimenting and let me know what you find.

 

[chopsaw]

I can't talk well enough about Maple. It is my FAVORITE "middle of the road" wood that I will go to and blend when trying anything. In Texas Oak is used as the general wood for most things and it's good but I'm burnt out on it. I was so happy when I started using Maple as the substitute :)

Are you talking pellets or actual wood ? When I had my offset red oak was all I used .
Anyway , I'm assuming you're talking pellets . I bought a sampler pack that had 2lbs of beech pellets with it . Used up everything else , so was forced to use the beech . Became my new favorite . Love at first sniff . Just opening the bag .
Of course I mix mesquite in on almost every smoke , but mesquite and beech 50 / 50 is my go to .

 

[tallbm]

Are you talking pellets or actual wood ? When I had my offset red oak was all I used .
Anyway , I'm assuming you're talking pellets . I bought a sampler pack that had 2lbs of beech pellets with it . Used up everything else , so was forced to use the beech . Became my new favorite . Love at first sniff . Just opening the bag .
Of course I mix mesquite in on almost every smoke , but mesquite and beech 50 / 50 is my go to .

Pellets in my case.

I never was able to try Beech but would love to. When I bought a variety pack I had to leave it out. Man I may need to try and score some now! :D

 

[chopsaw]

Owens BBQ has them . I bought 10 pounds a few months back . She also sent me some rosemary which I have not tried yet . I get all my pellets from Owens now .
Great quality .
On another note , I have some maple chips I'll have to try , but been using peach chips . I really like those too . Got some chicken parts getting ready to hit the Weber . Think I'll throw some maple chips in .

 

[tallbm]

Owens BBQ has them . I bought 10 pounds a few months back . She also sent me some rosemary which I have not tried yet . I get all my pellets from Owens now .
Great quality .
On another note , I have some maple chips I'll have to try , but been using peach chips . I really like those too . Got some chicken parts getting ready to hit the Weber . Think I'll throw some maple chips in .

Hmmmm sounds good!


Btw, Louisiana Grills Pellet brand has a Mesquite blend which is 35% Mesquite, 65% Maple.
If you like maple and you like to blend mesquite into it well this sounds like it might be right up your alley! :D

I have a bag and OMG sooo good on chicken. Got this before I found 100% Lumberjack options and started making my own blends. Once I burn through my other misc. store bought blends the Louisana becomes the default fodder for me to burn through if I'm not making my own blend :)

 

[chopsaw]

Think I'll throw some maple chips in .

Hmmmm sounds good!

I did , and it was . Have to get some maple pellets .