Barbecue subtleties: on what wood is it not recommended to fry meat

Kebab can give you a headache and that's a fact! This is because some wood species emit toxic substances during combustion. Toxins ingested with meat can cause mild poisoning, which is accompanied by headaches and general malaise. Let's figure out what kind of wood you can't grill a kebab.

Why this fact is rarely paid attention

Agree that barbecue cooking is a festive event, which in more than half of the cases is accompanied by strong drinks. And as you know, if you go too many with these drinks, then the next morning the head will pop. So, alcohol is not always the cause of headaches and other symptoms of poisoning. Improperly selected firewood can also cause intoxication. But since we are accustomed to blaming strong drinks for the post-holiday syndrome, no one pays attention to the possible negative effect of firewood.

What kind of wood is forbidden to cook barbecue

It is difficult to rank the harmfulness here and therefore let's start with conifers.

• All conifers, such as pine, spruce, cedar, larch, fir, yew and thuja, emit tar and soot when burning. In addition, the combustion products of conifers contain toxic substances. Resins and toxins are deposited on the meat and thus enter the body. After cooking on coniferous wood, the meat acquires a bitter taste, which then lasts for a long time in the mouth.
• Elm, acacia, poplar, mountain ash - these trees are a kind of bioindicators and air purifiers that react sharply to air pollution. They react acutely because they absorb (suck in) pollution from the environment. Poplar is generally called a nature nurse, as it absorbs atmospheric pollution and releases oxygen. So, for their vital activity, these trees absorb a lot of dangerous substances and heavy elements, which during combustion are released with smoke and, accordingly, get on the meat.

• Old or damp, blackened or discolored firewood of any species. Firewood that has turned black or blue cannot be used for cooking on the grill. They can change their color due to infection with fungus or mold. Fungi and mold are separate microorganisms that, in the process of their vital activity, release substances harmful to humans. These substances accumulate in the wood, making it potentially dangerous. And also, do not use old and damp firewood, as they give a lot of smoke and soot settling on the meat.
• Well, and one more category that we simply have to write about is everything that was previously used in construction. Let's simplify the task and call this category construction waste. It includes elements of dismantled wooden buildings - rafters, floors, ceilings, walls, logs, etc. wooden frames and doors; fences and other structures made of wood. This is prohibited for two reasons. Firstly, most of the lumber is pine, and it belongs to conifers. Secondly, many of these materials are treated with bio- or fire protection, covered with paints and varnishes. What harm to health such firewood can cause is not even worth commenting on.

A final tip: when cooking on charcoal, do not use chemicals for ignition - these substances also get on the meat, spoil its taste and harm health.

What kind of wood do you use for cooking on the grill? Write in the comments!

Friends, there are already more than 112 thousand of us! Like, subscribe to the channel, share the publication - we are workingso that you receive useful and relevant information!

Read also:

• All the "best" for children: a selection of harsh Russian slides.
• How to care for tomatoes in July: 7 secrets of a rich harvest.

Watch the video - That's Because It's Black: The Story of a Stylish Timber House with a Hard Destiny.