Random question...

[JLeonard]

What is about cherry wood that imparts that red color to like ribs and etc? 30 min drive to work and random thoughts just pop into my old brain.

Jim

 

[gmc2003]

I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with the color of the wood itself. As it dries out it goes from a pinkish hue to a darker red, and the smoke given off is a reflection of the darker color.

Chris

 

[mike243]

If you could only taste a smoke ring lol. It will put some color out for sure,

 

[chopsaw]

What is about cherry wood that imparts that red color

Not sure either .
Did a chicken with some peach . I was surprised by the color .
Looks peachy to me .

 

[HalfSmoked]

Wood does have some dye in it old timers made different dyes from wood walnut was used also.

Warren

 

[uncle eddie]

better not use any black oak

 

[chopsaw]

better not use any black oak

Granny Smith apple tree for green eggs and ham .

 

[JLeonard]

Not sure either .
Did a chicken with some peach . I was surprised by the color .
Looks peachy to me .
View attachment 695335

I will say this....That pic has me craving chicken!

Jim

 

[SmokinEdge]

What is about cherry wood that imparts that red color to like ribs and etc? 30 min drive to work and random thoughts just pop into my old brain.

Jim

Fruit woods tend to have more nitrates in them from being fertilized in the orchard. Most all woods contain nitrates but fruit woods have the most and Cherry has I think the most of all of them, plum is right up there too. Anyway when those nitrates burn up they transform into nitric oxide which is the main driver in the smoke ring formation.

I use Pecan as my main smoke wood but always mix cherry in for that beautiful red color, like I said though plum will do just as well.

 

[JLeonard]

Fruit woods tend to have more nitrates in them from being fertilized in the orchard. Most all woods contain nitrates but fruit woods have the most and Cherry has I think the most of all of them, plum is right up there too. Anyway when those nitrates burn up they transform into nitric oxide which is the main driver in the smoke ring formation.

I use Pecan as my main smoke wood but always mix cherry in for that beautiful red color, like I said though plum will do just as well.

I knew someone would come in with the science of it! It was one of those things that I know happens, just not the WHY part of it!
Thank you!

Jim

 

[SmokinEdge]

I knew someone would come in with the science of it! It was one of those things that I know happens, just not the WHY part of it!
Thank you!

Jim

Carbon monoxide will make a smoke ring as well so most all hardwood will give you that, but fruit wood is special. Especially cherry wood. Which will give you that pretty red color from higher nitrates.