How do wood chips enhance the flavor when smoking food?

Wood chips add a rich, smoky aroma and flavor to grilled or smoked food that cannot be achieved by gas alone. They produce flavorful smoke which infuses the food, giving it a distinct taste depending on the wood type used. The tart and fruity smoke from cherry wood chips adds a mild and sweet flavor that complements various meats and fish.

What is the best way to use wood chips on a gas grill?

Since directly placing wood chips on gas burners can be hazardous, use a smoker box or tube. These accessories hold the chips and are placed over the burner, allowing the wood to smolder safely and release smoke that flavors the food without causing flare-ups or damage to the grill.

Which types of foods pair well with cherry wood smoke?

Cherry wood smoke is mild and versatile, pairing well with most meats including beef, pork, chicken, and fish. It adds a subtly sweet, tart flavor profile. While it enhances many proteins nicely, it may not be suitable for certain vegetables, so experimentation is recommended to find the best combinations.

What kind of burn do cherry wood chips produce?

Cherry wood chips produce a medium burn, making them ideal for controlled smoking sessions. This burn time allows for consistent smoke generation, helping to fully develop the flavor in your food without overpowering it with intense smoke.

How should wood chips be stored to maintain their quality?

Wood chips should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption, which can hinder their ability to produce smoke and cause them to mold. Proper storage helps maintain the tart and fruity aroma and ensures readiness for your next smoking session.

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Napoleon Cherry Wood Chips - 67005

Name: Napoleon Cherry Wood Chips - 67005
Brand: Napoleon
SKU: 67005
Price: 8.99 USD
Availability: PreOrder

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Smoking Wood Chips | Mild and Sweet Cherry

When it comes to barbecuing, there are all kinds of ways to bring flavor to food, from marinades to spice rubs. A not-so-well-kept secret smokers have been using for centuries involves their fuels. Cooking over a charcoal grill brings that dark, charred aroma that tells those who eat it upon the first bite that "this was grilled". Meanwhile, gas grillers struggle to bring the same smokiness to their food—while liquid propane and natural gas barbecues are some of the easiest to use thanks to near-instant ignition, the heat is often smokeless. Remedy any lack in flavor with smoking wood chips like these bits of cherry lumber.

Cooking with Wood

While adding these smoking wood chips to charcoal cookers is as simple as tossing a handful on your briquettes, it's not as easy with gas-fueled grills. Dropping flaming chips into a gas firebox has the potential to cause serious problems, from a fire-damaged grill to destroyed sear plates. Instead, you'll need an accessory like a smoker box or tube (some higher-end Napoleon grills even come with the tube installed). These containers sit beneath the grates and on top of one of your burners, picking up heat and smoke and transferring it to the waiting foods above for a dramatic infusion of flavor.

Cherry's Flavor Profile

Once you're equipped with the hardware for smoking wood chips, it's time to study up on the important stuff: flavor. As one of the milder fruit woods used for barbecuing, cherry brings a light and sweet palate to anything you cook on the grill. However, not all meats and veggies go well with every wood. Think of smoker woods almost like wine—certain flavors pair well with different foods, and can even ruin others. But when it comes to cherry, many traditional grillmasters say that it pairs well with nearly every meat (including fish), though some say it's a poor match for many vegetables. Do your own research and try using these new cooking methods on your favorite recipes, and experience the difference yourself.