smoke penetration

Smoke penetration works best for me when I stay LOW & SLOW. I never bothered to measure the depth of the smoke ring, but I am happy if when I cut the meat, I see a pink ring.

One of the more science tyope will be able to give a better explanation.

What type of meat are you have trouble sith, and what type of wood are you using? is the wood in chunks, splits, ships? what is the source of heat on your smoker? What type of smoker/cooker are you using?

 

I get a better smoke ring on beef than I do pork for some reason. Or maybe I just can see it better on the beef since I normally slice it and pull the pork. Anyway, on a long smoke like a butt or brisket I would think a 1/4 - 3/8" smoke ring would be about typical.

 

OK, here goes:
Myoglobin is a pigment that gives muscle its color. Beef muscle has more pigment than pork muscle, thus beef has a darker color than pork. Chicken thighs have a darker color than chicken breasts, thus chicken thigh muscle has more pigment (myoglobin) than chicken breast tissue. A greater myoglobin concentration yields a more intense color. When a smoke ring develops in smoked meats it is not because smoke has penetrated and colored the muscle, but rather because gases in the smoke interact with the pigment myoglobin. The wood you use contains large amounts of nitrogen (N). While burning, the nitrogen in the logs combines with the oxygen (O) in the air to form nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen dioxide is highly water-soluble. The pink ring is created when NO2 is absorbed into the moist meat surface and reacts to form nitrous acid. The nitrous acid then diffuses inward creating a pink ring. Hope that helps you understand a bit. As stated, SLOW and LOW gets the job done...

 

The redneck equation is : MEAT /225deg smoke*time = smoke ring and good eating.

 

Please tell me you had to look this up...

 

Oh yeah, I looked it up, I've been out of school far too long to remember anything scientific like that. Just thought he would enjoy the in depth analysis. Besides, I felt compelled to offer up a little myoglobin "history"...

 

SmokeMack,
Great post! I really enjoy of the wall things like this. Thanks for posting it. Although I'm not sure what I'll do with it, I have learned something.

 

Your right Dutch. I have seen this with my first couple of smokes. Nice deep, dark smoke ring, right out of the fridge. Less so with room temp meat...

 

I 3rd that Dutch.

Another forum turned me on to that tip. I do it every time now. Makes for a longer smoke time while the meat is coming up to temp but...who cares??? I have the day set aside for just that and of course the favorite adult beverage.

Take care,

Brian

 

To play devil's advocate.....What about the theory that it is not good for meat to go from cold frdge, to heat source. Causes meat to go into shock...

I don't follow that theory, I personaly would put the meat in the freezer, if I thought it would help my cook.... Usually gets the time it takes to get from the fridge to the grates to thaw/warm up. No bad effects, and I have allowed the meat to come towards room temp and cooked with no ill effect either way.

 

OK, I have been watching this and just have to pontificate :roll: .

I have definitely noticed that cold food takes longer to cook than room temp food. DUH

I have also noticed that cold food gets a better smoke ring than room temp food. Longer time to get to 140 deg.

I have thrown frozen chicken breasts in the smoker and they tasted like A$$.

I have smoked a turkey on an ECB that was still frozen enough that the giblet pack wouldn't come out. Tasted like a little slice of heaven.

So, to sum this up, either the BBQ god is going to smile on you, or he ain't.

 

That is what some will tell you. Others will tell you it IS better to let the meat warm up. Once again, it is your choice, and what works best for you. I don't give this too much thought, I am either running late with getting started,...straight from fridge to grates, OR I am so eager, that I take the meat out, to let it warm, and to add a last second seasoning. Then the worst case, where the wife pulls the meat out of the box because it is taking up too much space.

 

By the way Cajunsmoker…what does A$$ taste like?…(snicker snicker)
:P

 

Well it don't taste like chicken :D

 

Seems to me, you can use too much or too little, it’s a matter of taste…I suppose, experiment with what tastes bland or over seasoned. Take notes and save for next time. Ask these guys for their expertise, learn from their and your mistakes. Some spices DO have a smoky flavor to them, like cumin. If it don’t taste like A$$, it’s good Q!

Just my noobie 2¢