I'm going to smoke some pork ribs (first time!) on my Weber grill.
I went to grab the unopened bag of Weber hickory chips from the shelf and I notice that one of the cats had chewed through the bag (likely thinking it was cat food).
So they have been exposed to air for what I must assume is about a year (I bought them last summer but didn't use them until now).
They don't have any smell to them coming out of the bag… upon opening the bag, should I have expected a robust hickory smell? If i use them, will they turn out ok? As I soak them in water it seems I can smell the wood a bit more, but I'm concerned that they are too dried out and are therefore lacking essential oils or whatever…
I also have some of the Weber poultry blend, which is a mix of beech and apple wood, but also a bit of "caramel flavoring" which i definitely smell upon opening that bag… maybe better to use those chips although they are "recommended for poultry" and not pork?
TIA
by Jahbomb1974
4 Comments
Check the best before date.
These chips won’t smell like anything until you ignite them.
Wood is dried before it becomes chips.
I think you’re over thinking this.
Wood chips naturally dry. You soak them in water before using.
I‘d look for the „ready to use – soaked wood chips“ next time.