Store bought apple wood vs dealer bought apple wood and catching fire

[dwhite1031]

I have been having issues with store bought apple wood catching fire instead of smoldering. I haven't had that issue with hickory, pecan, oak, or mesquite. My cast iron skillet is at the same distance from the burner as always. i picked up some apple wood from a wood dealer advertised as "seasoned", & it did not catch fire. Could it be the store bought apple wood is too dry? I'm keeping it in "reserve" & using the other batch but wondering if I soak it might that make a difference?

 

[sfprankster]

I find the store bought chunks doesn't contain enough moisture to smoke, rather than burn. It is kiln dried and may have sat around for too long and completely dried out before it's sold.

 

[smokyjoerobins]

Any wood packaged in plastic bags is too dry for smokin' IMO, It has to be down around 10-12% moisture content to keep from molding in the bag. 20% is moderate, and good for all applications. Here's a pic of some I used last week on A pork tenderloin

s274386076446444863_p10_i2_w640.jpeg

• smokyjoerobins
• Sep 1, 2015