Removing the bark on split hickory

Papa Q · Oct 29, 2013

I just picked up a half a cord of split hickory...usually my base wood to cook with...and while stacking it I removed the bark as I always do. The reason is someone told me once that the bark can cause bitter flavors so I have never used it to smoke with. Do any of the brethren have an opinion on this. It is a lot of extra work (barbeque is a lot of work anyway) to get the bark off...especially if it doesn't make a difference.

ak56 · Oct 29, 2013

I will summarize all of the previous bark/no bark threads on this and other BBQ forums:

yes, no, maybe, sometimes, always, never, if it's loose, hot enough fire doesn't matter

Seriously, I've seen all of those answers.

Bludawg · Oct 29, 2013

I only remove bark on small piece that don't need splitting, tree bark is like a fire suit for a tree it requires more heat to ignite. On a split there is no need to as the inner layers light quickly especially if they are pre heated

Lockon · Oct 29, 2013

I use the bagged chunk stuff that sometimes comes with the bark on....I do not remove it and have not noticed any flavor difference. Again, this is not full splits, but the chunks that you buy in the bag.

buccaneer · Oct 29, 2013

After Bludawgs post I'm starting to remove it.
I'm making myself a fire suit!

DownHomeQue · Oct 29, 2013

i never remove bark.. lol no bitter tasting food here

Smok'n n Joke'n · Oct 29, 2013

I never remove the bark.....because my bark is worse than my bite :laugh:

sliding_billy · Oct 29, 2013

If it falls off, so be it. Otherwise, it'll burn.

Kevin_Texas · Oct 29, 2013

Smok'n n Joke'n said:
I never remove the bark.....because my bark is worse than my bite :laugh:

Funny!!!!!!!!

Pappy Q · Oct 29, 2013

Never remove and I do just fine in competitions.

Bbq Bubba · Oct 29, 2013

Somebody fed you a line of chit.

T-doh · Oct 29, 2013

I dont have a stick burner yet, and the chunks I use sometimes have bark, never remove. Heck I pull bark off a shag wood(?) hickory tree out on the golf course and will throw pieces of that on my charcoal while I'm grilling and it gives great hickory flavor!! People at work think that I've smoked my cheeseburgers cause it puts off that delicious aroma especially after it's been reheated. Leave the bark

Papa Q · Oct 29, 2013

Thanks for all the info...I think I'll spend the time I save not removing the bark burning it.

dport7 · Oct 29, 2013

Been smoking food for 30 years and have smoked with bark on, off, half on. falling
off, Iv'e smoked with wood that has laid in the woods for years, just knocking off the as much of the punky stuff as possible . Never noticed a difference.

TuscaloosaQ · Oct 29, 2013

I am a bark lover like it on my wood, briskets, and butts!!!!!!!:grin:

ChickenWang · Oct 29, 2013

Like others have already said... I never remove the bark and the food turns out great !

Branded BBQ · Oct 30, 2013

I've never removed bark either, so I agree with the others.

nucornhusker · Oct 30, 2013

Yep, add me as another that keeps the bark on, no issues here. Save yourself the time and effort.

MeatCandy · Oct 30, 2013

Removing bark would be a lot of work...For that reason I don't...Works fine...With a hot fire there is no bitterness...Most woods will be bitter if not burned properly with or without fire suit...

SmittyJonz · Oct 30, 2013

Sometimes I burn straight Bark that I get from a neighbor who removes all the Bark from his Smoking Wood.

Removing the bark on split hickory

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