[Question] Grilling with Mesquite

[Humble Soul]

I recently helped out an old fella clear a parcel of land that was full of Kiawe (Mesquite) trees, and I was able to take a bunch home. Most of the pieces are well over a foot long, and anywhere from 3-5" in diameter, some are bigger. If I am wanting to grill using the wood, do I have to split these in half or chop them into smaller pieces? Is it possible to use a whole log? I don't have an axe so getting them to be smaller than it's current size would be a challenge for me. Any advice is appreciated Thanks in advance!

 

[SmittyJonz]

What type of smoker? offset you should be fine. Charcoal/ chunk style cut them to 3-4" length and don't split. You will wanna let them "season' for 3-6 months. Air dry.

 

[Starman]

When I grill with mesquite I use several pieces like you described and burn them down to coals before I put the meat on.

 

[Humble Soul]

My plan was to grill some teriyaki chicken and oysters in my 22" weber kettle. They're already quite dry (doesn't rain much here). I ran out of charcoal and have a hefty load of mesquite so I'm wondering if I can use it in place of briquettes.

 

[SmittyJonz]

My plan was to grill some teriyaki chicken and oysters in my 22" weber kettle. They're already quite dry (doesn't rain much here). I ran out of charcoal and have a hefty load of mesquite so I'm wondering if I can use it in place of briquettes.

let it burn down to red hot coals then toss meat on. :thumb:

 

[Humble Soul]

let it burn down to red hot coals then toss meat on. :thumb:

Gotcha thanks :-D Also, do I have to remove the bark at all?

 

[mikemci]

Gotcha thanks :-D Also, do I have to remove the bark at all?

If you burn it down to coals, as suggested, then no.

 

[Humble Soul]

If you burn it down to coals, as suggested, then no.

Mahalo! :-D