Does bark cause acrid smoke?

That has been the subject of many a discussion over the years and one that I really can't give a definitive answer to other than to say "you can't prove it by me."  :)

In over 45 years of cooking with fire I've used practically every wood that grows around TN and South MS and I can't tell the difference.

The only way to be sure is to cook with some of each - with and without bark - and see if you can tell the difference.

I've also heard to not use wood with lichens growing on it. Well, I have...a bunch, and it doesn't make a whit of difference that I can tell (as long as it's dry).

At any rate I wouldn't worry about your apple, cherry and peach woods for sure.

I hope this helps.

Michael

I like how some maple barks will just pop off with a bit of drying time.

prudentsmoker said:

I have read in a couple of places that bark causes acrid smoke. I would appreciate your comments. I have removed it, as best I can, on oak and hickory, but apple is really tough.

Thanks in advance.

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Which couple of places? A lot of internet sites regurgitate info from other sources without doing any practical research into the subject.

I do not remove bark from my BBQ wood and have never had any problems.