Mulberry as a smoke wood

[gnappi]

I have a mature mulberry tree (in addition to mango) and I've used the trimmings over the years in my fire pit but recently I had to trim it back radically due to a large broken branch.

Initially I thought I'd easily have a free cord of firepit wood but I read that it's a very good wood for smoking.

My issue is the latex in the outer layers of the wood. Aside from being sticky I read it's poisonous. I have no issues with it in my firepit but drenching vaporized latex doesn't sound appetizing or safe.

I suspect skinning the wood before chopping it up would be safe but does anyone have guidance on using mulberry to smoke?

 

[TNJAKE]

Mulberry wood

Have a friend with alot of Mulberry wood , cut and ready to haul off , My question is can this wood be used to smoke? I have been told this is just like apple wood , but would like to know if some one has used this wood before i try it and ruin my meat . Thanks in advance !! Bob

www.smokingmeatforums.com

 

[DougE]

It's about like any other fruit wood. Cure it out and smoke with it.

 

[Florida Chris]

Not sure about mulberry, but mango has some nasty oils that I wouldn't want on my food. Not even sure I'd want to be around that bonfire.

 

[smoke freak]

I've used Mulberry for years.
No idea what this toxic latex is that you speak of.

Flavor is much better than apple.
But...since it's a fast growing tree, it doesn't provide a good coal bed and produces a lot of ash.
Added to an oak or hickory fire it is a good wood for smoking.

 

[gnappi]

Thanks all. It seems as if many use it without issues from the latex but I'll skin it before using it anyway.

 

[Dustin Dorsey]

Just doing some googling I think it'd only be a problem if someone had a latex allergy. I've used the pruned branches from a tree I have on occasion with no issues. I've seen mulberry wood sold online. I doubt it's toxic unless you are allergic..