[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Hey all, a buddy of mine in California has a wood guy that has told him to smoke using Avocado wood mixed in with Mesquite.

Since I have personally never head of Avocado wood, I told him I would post it up here.

Thoughts, Ideas, comments?

Thanks..

[RobOConnell]

That does sound good, though I never have tried that. I imagine if its anything like its fruit, it should be smooth and creamy, when combined with something like mesquite, could be very interesting.

[jmcrig]

Mike, I did a quick google of Avocado wood for smoking. Everything I found was it is used mixed with oak or some other more traditional wooks. I thunk Thom may be a great source of information on this. It seems he had a discussion on the CA board last year about Avocado Wood.

[n2dabluebbq]

have heard of cooking with avacodo wood before. but only with it being mixed in with another wood. but never heard of anyone mixing it with mesquite. sounds like a experiment waiting to happen.

[Thom Emery]

I am told it has a low BTU value
It works but not well

[BERRY-BRO]

Avocado wood is super plentiful in many parts of California, and it is bagged as the generic hardwood for companies like Home Depot and Lowe's, it is a hardwood in the technical sense but one softest of the hardwoods. The trees are weak and sensitive, they remind me of Jacaranda. I do not recommend it for smoking or making coal beds unless it is your only option, your neighbor's grapefruit tree is 100 times better or your grandmother's rosebushes (the woody stalks).....Avocado is an OK camping wood, but when it comes to a good piece of meat, I use a more desirable wood type. One of the keys in the descriptions in how to use this wood is the fact you are mixing it with a better choice, why use it at all if you have the better choice on hand. Just my 2 cents worth, Thomas http://www.bbfw.com

[Mark]

I agree with Thomas. My in-laws had an avocado tree and although I never cut into it, it looks like it would be pulpy and easy to cut through, much like a huge jacaranda I have; similar to the softer wood of a fig tree. You know how you look at certain trees and you have an innate sense whether it might be good for smoking? Avocado ain't one of them, at least for me.

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Thanks All, great info.  As Usual, Thomas from Berry Bros Wood, our "Official" Wood Sponsor of AZBarbeque, breaks it all down for us.

[force]

To check if you have avocado wood.. take a chip and dip into it...... if it taste like guacamole.... bingo